Trish Balusa, a former Big Brother contestant, has raised serious concerns about the safety of her flat in Luton, describing it as a “fire hazard” and a “ghetto.” Balusa, who appeared on the ITV show last year, lives in a converted office block known as Shire House with her autistic son. She claims that some windows in her privately-rented flat do not open, and there is no fire alarm installed.
Balusa, 34, moved to the two-bedroom flat in 2021, hoping for a better living environment. However, she was shocked by the conditions she found. “What the hell?” she exclaimed, noting that the heaters were not working and there was mould in the bathroom. Despite the landlords’ claims that all flats are fitted with smoke alarms, Balusa insists that her flat lacks this crucial safety feature.
Describing the building, which houses over 100 flats and was converted between 2018 and 2019, Balusa said it felt like a “ghetto” with frequent issues of anti-social behaviour. “It could be the next Grenfell Tower,” she warned, pointing out that fire engines are regularly called to the property.
Balusa’s experience in the Big Brother house was a stark contrast to her current living situation. She described her time on the show as “a breath of fresh air” and “a little bit of a holiday.” However, returning to her flat was a harsh reality check. She had hoped to win money to put a deposit down on her own home but was evicted as the eighth contestant, with Jordan Sangha eventually winning the show.
Other residents of Shire House have echoed Balusa’s concerns. Naima Stitou, another tenant, reported that her flat has been plagued by mould and leakage problems, including a bedroom ceiling that collapsed four times. Despite repairs, the conditions worsened, culminating in the collapse of a ceiling in a children’s bedroom.
Shalini Thangarasa, 38, described the property as a “jail,” noting that no windows opened and there was insufficient ventilation. “Fire engines are coming all the time, for cookers and heaters,” she added.
The landlords have responded to these allegations, stating that “a comprehensive fire risk assessment” had been carried out and blaming mould issues on residents “tampering with ventilation systems.” They also claimed that all flats are fitted with smoke alarms and have adequate ventilation. “The management agent is constantly reminding tenants about the concerns of drying clothes indoors,” they said, adding that any appearance of mould or staining is dealt with as soon as reasonably practicable.
Luton Borough Council has issued an enforcement notice against the landlord over unauthorised development, which has resulted in inadequate access to natural light, ventilation, and poor outlook. The landlord has appealed against the decision, and a public inquiry is scheduled to start on September 3.
Balusa’s situation highlights the broader issue of housing safety and quality in converted office blocks. As more people are placed in such accommodations, the need for stringent safety measures and regular inspections becomes increasingly critical. Residents like Balusa and Stitou are left in precarious living conditions, raising questions about the responsibilities of landlords and the effectiveness of current housing regulations.
For Balusa, living in Shire House has been a nightmare, especially with a child with autism. “It’s affected our mental health and sleep, as you cannot be at peace,” she said. The contrast between her time in the Big Brother house and her current living situation underscores the urgent need for improvements in housing safety and quality.
As the public inquiry approaches, residents of Shire House and similar properties will be watching closely, hoping for changes that will ensure their safety and well-being. The revelations by Balusa and other tenants serve as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining high standards in housing, particularly in converted office blocks that may not have been originally designed for residential use.
