46 days have passed since the heat and hot water were turned off for the residents in the apartments in the so-called "Chinese Wall" in Rosengård, Malmö, writes Sydsvenskan. The housing association Femman has not paid its bills to the company Eon for over a year.
It's a terribly exhausting situation. We've seen that many parents make sure their children sleep at friends' and relatives' homes that have heat, says Sara Kleijsen Åhlander, unit manager at the employment and social services administration, to the newspaper.
Investigated Takeover
Besides the debt to Eon, a fine of 640,000 kronor from Malmö City has been imposed. The reason is that the association has not addressed mold and moisture problems in several apartments.
According to the municipality, they are limited in taking tougher action due to legislation. The municipality's lawyers have investigated a forced administration of the property but concluded that it is impossible.
The legislation is designed for rental apartments and this concerns housing associations, says Sandra Lublinn, environmental inspector at the environmental administration.
Talks about Debts
The housing association has so far 41 payment remarks totaling 2.8 million kronor, writes Sydsvenskan. According to the board, talks are being held with Eon for an agreement on how to handle the debt to them.
In the meantime, the residents are boiling water on the stove, showering at work if possible, and living in apartments with temperatures around 15 degrees.
I'm in line for senior housing and I long for when we get a place there. I don't deserve to suffer like this, says a resident to Sydsvenskan.
Corrected: In an earlier version of this text, there was an incorrect statement about the fine the housing association was sentenced to pay.
