Social housing could be at risk of crumbling aerated concrete

Housing associations are being urged to check building specifications for reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC)

The call comes after some schools in England have been forced to close because they contain the dangerous concrete.

One social housing law firm warns that RAAC poses a serious risk to social housing tenants.

Act on RAAC for tenant safety

Greg Carter, a legal director and construction and insurance law specialist at Winckworth Sherwood, said housing associations need to act on RAAC for tenant safety.

He said: “RAAC was widely used in the construction of social housing between the 1950s and 1990s.  Just as in school buildings and other structures, RAAC presents a serious risk for housing associations and their residents.

“Where social housing providers have not already done so, they should urgently check as-built drawings and specifications, and if RAAC is found to have been used, commission structural surveys to verify its condition and any remedial works.”

Mr Carter adds that no survey has been conducted in the social housing sector to check for RAAC.

“Unlike schools, no nationwide survey of social housing has been conducted and the extent of the problem is unknown. Thorough checks of housing stock will be the only way to fully understand the size and scale of any problems.”

Frustrating for housing providers and tenants

Mr Carter says where RAAC is discovered social housing providers may be able to claim the cost of remedial work on the building.

He said: “Where RAAC is discovered and is defective, social housing providers may be able to claim the cost of remedial work on building or other insurance policies.

“There will often be a 30-year limit on such claims and the success of any claim will vary depending on the wording of those policies.”

Mr Carter added that some insurance companies may not include RAAC claims.

“However, depending on the scale of the problem, and as seen following the Grenfell tragedy, insurers may opt to exclude RAAC claims. That would be disappointing and frustrating for housing providers and tenants.”

A spokesperson from the Regulator of Social Housing told Property118 that social landlords have a legal responsibility to keep homes safe.

“Social landlords have a responsibility to ensure that the homes they provide are safe. We expect social landlords to understand the condition of their stock and take action where they identify problems. Anyone with concerns should seek specialist advice.”

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