Tenant describes ‘mouldy hell’ living in Ashfield Council leader’s rented home

A tenant living in a rented house co-owned by the leader of Ashfield Council leader has criticised his care of the property, saying it is covered in mould.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Gavin Hufton, aged 35, lives in a property on Stoneyford Road, Stanton Hill, with his partner and two children. Their co-landlords include Coun Jason Zadrozny, Ashfield Council leader,

The family have rented the home for six years and say they have continually complained to Coun Zadrozny about its condition.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Reported issues include the boiler not being fit for purpose, ‘bodged’ repair jobs on windows and mould patches covering the property.

Gavin Hufton points out the mould in his rented house co-owned by Coun Jason Zadrozny, Ashfield Council leader.Gavin Hufton points out the mould in his rented house co-owned by Coun Jason Zadrozny, Ashfield Council leader.
Gavin Hufton points out the mould in his rented house co-owned by Coun Jason Zadrozny, Ashfield Council leader.

Coun Zadrozny denies not ensuring the home is kept in good condition and says any problems raised by Mr Hufton and his family have been addressed.

He added any concerns have been dealt with in a ‘diligent and professional manner’.

Mould is present in most rooms throughout the terraced house, including in the bedroom of Mr Hufton’s two young children. The family say they often attempt to remove it, but it regularly returns.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The family have been issued an eviction notice because the council leader and his co-owner, Simon Wilkinson, intend to sell the house. The family are now looking to find a new home.

Mould on a wall in the property.Mould on a wall in the property.
Mould on a wall in the property.

However, Mr Hufton has described his family as living in 'hell’ for the past six years.

“The mould is growing red trees through it, there’s no other way to describe it – it’s vile,” he said.

“The bedroom window used by my kids can also only open by a couple of centimetres, so we can’t ventilate the room.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I want people to see what they’re making hardworking families live in. I’ve got two young boys; they shouldn’t be left to live like this.”

Mould around a window in the property.Mould around a window in the property.
Mould around a window in the property.
Read More
Swimming pool at new Kirkby Leisure Centre filled with water for first time

High standard

Coun Zadrozny, who also leads the Independent Alliance Group on Nottinghamshire Council, insists the property is of a high standard following work organised by himself and Mr Wilkinson.

The eviction notice, he says, was issued because his co-owner is looking to retire and wants to sell the property.

A mouldy window sill in the property.A mouldy window sill in the property.
A mouldy window sill in the property.

He also claimed damage within the home, including the mould, is ‘tenant-caused’ and could be related to clothes being left to dry indoors.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

But the family deny this, saying they are instead using a condenser dryer in the kitchen.

In a statement on behalf of himself and Mr Wilkinson, Coun Zadrozny said: “We served notice on the tenants and instead of giving them the statutory one-month notice, we extended that to three months to give them additional time to find a property suited to their needs.

“Since the tenant moved in six years ago, we have responded to each and every complaint in a diligent and professional manner.

“This has resulted in a new boiler, new gas main connections, new roof, damp proofing and new front and back doors.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We wish the tenants well and I would be pleased to support them in their search for a new home.”

Coun Jason Zadrozny fears for the future of district councils like Ashfield if the Government's elected mayor plans for devolution go aheadCoun Jason Zadrozny fears for the future of district councils like Ashfield if the Government's elected mayor plans for devolution go ahead
Coun Jason Zadrozny fears for the future of district councils like Ashfield if the Government's elected mayor plans for devolution go ahead

Mr Hufton has contacted both Ashfield MP Lee Anderson and Ashfield Council, seeking support with the home.

Mr Anderson has called for the authority to investigate the property.

Paul Parkinson, council director of housing, said: “The tenant has reported potential issues of disrepair to the council.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“As is our normal procedure, our officers will be inspecting the property before deciding on any appropriate next steps.”

A message from Jon Ball, your Chad Editor: Since 1952, your Mansfield and Ashfield Chad has helped the voices of our community be heard - and with your support, we'll continue for generations to come. Subscribe to our print edition via chad.co.uk/subscriptions #buyapaper