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Kassie and her three children were excited to move into their new home, but their enthusiasm quickly turned to disappointment when they discovered bare and uneven floorboards in the bedrooms and living areas. Unlike private sector landlords, social housing landlords are not legally obligated to provide floor coverings in all rooms, leaving many tenants in a similar situation. Fortunately, charities like Noah’s Ark Centre have stepped in to help families like Kassie’s by launching projects dedicated to providing free carpets for those in need.
The stark reality of Kassie’s new home hit her hard as she walked into the echoey house with its rough, nail-ridden floorboards. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized that there were no carpets or floor coverings in sight for the bedrooms, hallway, and lounge. The financial strain of affording new carpets after facing a “no-fault eviction” from her previous landlord compounded Kassie’s stress. Even the most budget-friendly options she found online were still out of reach, with quotes for the entire house running into the hundreds of pounds.
Seeking help from Noah’s Ark Centre, Kassie found a lifeline in Andrew Sykes, who arranged for a fitter to install newly supplied carpets at no cost. While social housing landlords are not required by law to provide floor coverings beyond kitchens and bathrooms, campaigns like End Furniture Poverty estimate that over 1.2 million homes in the UK lack proper flooring. The government has conducted a consultation on potentially mandating floor coverings in social housing, with a commitment to consider the feedback and evidence provided.
Noah’s Ark Centre’s efforts to address “carpet poverty” have made a tangible impact in Calderdale, carpeting over 600 homes since 2023 through projects like Carpets Like a Boss. By repurposing end-of-line and distressed stock, community partners like John Clark from Mercado Flooring contribute to the cause by providing essential resources to those in need. As Kassie’s home is transformed by the soft touch of new carpets, she reflects on the immense difference it will make for her and her son. Calls for legislative changes to ensure flooring in social housing resonate across advocacy groups, urging the housing sector to prioritize comfort, safety, and energy efficiency for all residents
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