Maja Klaczynska’s story is a harrowing account of how a dream can swiftly unravel into a relentless nightmare, all within the walls of a place meant to offer safety and comfort. At 33, Maja had achieved a significant milestone: owning a share of a new-build flat in Silvertown, East London. Having moved to the UK from Poland at 18 to study, this property represented the culmination of years of hard work and the fulfillment of her aspiration to put down roots in the city she called home. When she moved in during July 2022, she anticipated a fresh start in a modern development. However, a visible crack in the bath, which she reported immediately, was the first fissure in that dream. Assured it would be fixed promptly, she could not have foreseen that this minor defect was a symptom of a far more sinister and hidden problem, one that would threaten her health, her home, and her entire sense of security.
The physical toll began insidiously. Maja started experiencing debilitating symptoms: horrendous, unrelenting headaches, severe joint pain, a constant cough, fatigue, and concerning night sweats. As her health deteriorated, her visits to the GP became more frequent, yet doctors were baffled. The constellation of symptoms was so severe that it raised red flags for serious illnesses. She was subsequently referred for CT and PET scans, with medical professionals suspecting potential blood cancers like leukaemia or lymphoma. This period of diagnostic uncertainty was a terrifying ordeal, filled with the dread of a life-threatening diagnosis. Fortunately, those fears were allayed when the scans ruled out cancer. Yet, the relief was tempered by a deepening mystery—what was making her so profoundly unwell if it wasn’t cancer? Alone in London without immediate family, Maja was left scared and searching for answers, increasingly convinced her environment was the source of her suffering.
Her suspicions centred on the flat. After initial inspections by the housing association, Peabody Trust, and its builders reportedly found no significant issues, Maja took the decisive step of commissioning her own independent experts. Their findings were catastrophic. They discovered extensive black mould contamination not just on surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen, but hidden within the very fabric of the walls. The levels were described as being “off the scale.” This revelation was devastating, but it also provided a grim explanation for her health crisis. Mould exposure, particularly to toxic black mould (Stachybotrys chartarum), is known to cause a range of severe health problems, precisely matching Maja’s symptoms—from chronic respiratory issues and persistent headaches to fatigue and immune system disruption. The flat she owned was, according to her assessment, actively making her ill.
Armed with this evidence, the situation escalated into a battle for habitability. Maja claims that even with the report in hand, her concerns were initially dismissed by Peabody and the builders. It was only when a Peabody employee opened up the walls, revealing the pervasive black mould she had warned of, that the scale of the problem became undeniable. By October 2023, the contamination was so severe she was forced to abandon her home, leaving with nothing but the clothes she was wearing. She describes almost all her possessions—her furniture, her belongings, her wardrobe—as destroyed, irrevocably covered in mould. For a year, her life was in limbo, shuttled between three different temporary accommodations including hotels and serviced apartments, unable to settle or rebuild, until she was finally able to move in with her partner in October 2024.
The emotional and financial devastation has been profound. Maja speaks of feeling that she “lost everything.” The psychological impact of being forced from your own home, coupled with the prolonged fear for your health and the instability of temporary living, is immense. Her dream of ownership turned into a source of trauma. She is now pursuing legal action against Peabody through the firm Hodge Jones & Allen, seeking compensation for her experience. Her solicitor, Bahareh Amani, emphasizes Maja’s resilience and their determination to secure justice for the ordeal she has endured. In response, a spokesperson for Peabody expressed sympathy for the impact on Maja and acknowledged the upsetting nature of the situation. They stated that as it was a new build, the builder was responsible for repairs, which were completed in January, and that they provided alternative accommodation and maintained contact throughout.
Maja Klaczynska’s experience is a stark cautionary tale that extends beyond one individual’s misfortune. It highlights critical issues about housing standards, tenant and homeowner rights, and the often-overlooked serious health hazards of damp and mould. Her fight underscores the vulnerability individuals can face when large organizations are perceived to be dismissive of legitimate concerns. While the repairs are now reportedly complete, the scars—both on her health and her life—remain. Her story is a powerful reminder that a home is more than bricks and mortar; it is a foundation for well-being, and when that foundation is compromised by neglect, the human cost can be devastating.
