People living in Bristol House, a 27-bed HMO, say Clear Summers May Ltd has replaced the "bare minimum" after the site was stripped bare, forcing Town Close councillor Emma Corlett to step in.

Ms Corlett was shocked to find the property in Unthank Road in a "dire" state nearly a month after the site was cleared out in 24 hours by The District Property Ltd.

Emma Corlett, Norwich Town Close councillor (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

All the appliances and radiators were removed (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

Sixteen tenants, some of who pay £750 per month, have been stuck in the middle of a legal battle between Clear Summers May Ltd and the former owner, the District Property Ltd.

Tenants were left with no heating or beds to sleep on, and now they have been advised to find alternative housing after a number of safety concerns have been identified.

FLOODING AND FIRE HAZARDS

One person who does not wish to be named said: “The water tank next to my room leaked and soaked through the carpet in my room on Friday night.

“I woke up to loads of water on the floor.

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The carpet is still not dry (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

“A plumber had to rip the carpets up.

“It’s still not dried out."

Simon Whittred, a tenant who moved into the property in May 2025, added: “All of the fire extinguishers have been removed and they haven't been replaced.

The fire extinguishers still haven't been replaced (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

“If there’s a fire in this place the whole building would go up in flames.

“Electrical work has been done by non-compliant electricians.

“Clear Summers uses odd job men, they don’t employ tradesmen.

Tenants say 'odd job men' have been fixing the electrics (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

"They have done the bare minimum replacing things."

Another tenant added that the carpet in the basement is "soaking wet" and one of the smoke detectors has been taped over.

The basement floor is 'soaked' (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

One of the smoke detectors has been taped over (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

Contractors appointed by Clear Summers May Ltd have crammed rubbish into one room at the back of the property while replacing the appliances.

Rubbish locked in one of the rooms (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

Rubbish locked in one of the rooms (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

A spokesman from Clear Summers May Ltd said: "The leak has been fixed in one of the rooms.

"The plumber who we appointed attended the emergency call-out at midnight.

"He told me that the leak was caused by intentional damage.

"I have not been informed about the wet carpet in the basement.

"The fire extinguishers will be delivered in due course."

Emma Corlett, Town Close councillor, has advised tenants to stay elsewhere after discovering a number of hazards at the property.

She said: “On Sunday, we met with residents for support.

“There is a significant number of ongoing safety concerns that we have reported to the relevant authorities.

“Over the dire situation residents find themselves in, we have assisted them with getting some housing advice to protect their welfare and safety.”

An enforcement officer from Court Enforcement Service Ltd was overseeing the clearance on February 13.

Food from inside the fridges and freezers was removed and left on the side (Image: Emily-Rose Thompson)

Tim Muusha, a tenant who was working at home while the clear-out took place, said: "Everyone is in shock.

"We are completely stuck in the middle.

"It's been very disruptive.

"I have no idea what is going to happen."

Ben James Smith, director of the District Project Limited, said: "The District Property Limited was under no obligation to notify the tenants. That was down to Clear Summer May Ltd.

"The occupiers are currently subject to separate court proceedings relating to approximately £48,000 in rent arrears."

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