Thrive Homes has failed to sort a rat problem at a house that is "on the brink of unhabitable occupancy”, a family has claimed.

The home in Anthony Close, Oxhey Hall, also has a raft of other problems including gaps in the windows, damp and leaking pipes.

Thrive Homes said it was not aware of all the issues raised and that some are the tenant’s responsibility.

Watford Observer: The windows do not close properly and the family has placed tissues in the gap to try and stop a draft. The windows do not close properly and the family has placed tissues in the gap to try and stop a draft. (Image: Submitted)

The housing organisation added it will be contacting the family to organise another inspection.

Due to the mother’s ill health, her nephew has been liaising with the housing organisation on her behalf. His aunt, 44, suffered two cardiac arrests two years ago and has asthma.

Watford Observer: Damp on an outside wallDamp on an outside wall (Image: Submitted)

The mother-of-two believes the damp is affecting her health and pointed to breathing problems forcing her into hospital over the weekend.

Her nephew told the Watford Observer: “Some of these problems have been going on for five months and Thrive Homes can’t tell me when things will be fixed.

“My auntie has no hope, no happiness in sight. She doesn’t want to be here.”

Watford Observer: Mould and damage from a leaking sinkMould and damage from a leaking sink (Image: Submitted)

He added that after a discussion with a Thrive Homes surveyor nearly two weeks ago, he was told the house was “on the brink of unhabitable occupancy”.

The family also claims that the three-bedroom end of terrace house has not had central heating downstairs in the 11 years they have been living there.

Following a recent survey Thrive Homes carried out on the house, the family was told a new roof is needed, the entire plumbing and boiler needs replacing, and a new fascia is needed.

Watford Observer: Damp on the ceilings Damp on the ceilings (Image: Submitted)

The woman’s 15-year-old daughter added that due to the drafts in the house she has been “sick with coughs and colds for most of the winter”.

Robert Berry, assistant director of property for Thrive Homes, said: “We undertook an inspection at the address on December 5, 2022, and set up a number of work orders with contractors to make repairs to the property.”

Watford Observer: Plug sockets are hanging off the wallPlug sockets are hanging off the wall (Image: Submitted)

He added the contractors have made "several attempts" to access the home.

“We therefore welcome the opportunity to discuss this with our customer or their representative so we can organise the most convenient time to inspect the property and make any remaining repairs,” he added.