Trivallis has advised 40 households to immediately move out of their homes due to risk of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC).
Survey work carried out by Trivallis on its properties in the Hirwaun area has identified issues with the roofs and ceilings connected to the material.
Trivallis has RAAC in 60 of its homes on the Gower estate in Hirwaun. There are another 17 properties on the estate belonging to private owners which are built in the same way.
The housing association said it was recently told that in one of its homes, the RAAC was a critical risk – this could be the same in 40 other homes which are of a similar design and construction.
Trivallis said that it puts tenant safety as the highest priority and in order to safeguard tenants, it has advised everyone in the 40 affected properties to move out of their houses immediately. For tenants wishing to move out, it is finding temporary accommodation for them while it surveys their homes and plans what needs to be done to ensure they are safe.
Chief executive Duncan Forbes said: ‘We understand that this is frightening and disruptive to those affected, but their safety is our main concern. We have a zero tolerance for risks to tenant safety which is why we are advising people to move out of their homes as quickly as possible.
‘Trivallis fully understands the gravity of the situation and the impact it has on residents. It is dedicated to addressing the immediate needs of those affected. We appreciate the understanding and co-operation of our residents and the community during this challenging time.”
Tenants who wish to move immediately are being offered hotel accommodation nearby. Others may wish to stay with friends and family.
Trivallis is working with all tenants affected to ensure their accommodation needs are met and its team is on site providing support to tenants. A dedicated phone line has been set up for tenants on 01443 494559.
RAAC is a form of lightweight concrete that was used in constructing many public buildings in the 1950s and 1960s. Incidents in schools in England last summer prompted wider concern about the safety risks and led to action to assess the wider public estate, including social housing.
The material has been found in social housing by nine councils in Scotland and hundreds of tenants in Aberdeen were advised to move out of their homes last month.
All social landlords in Wales were asked to assess their stock for the presence of RAAC in September. The process included establishing when inspections were last undertaken andm where none could be identified, detailed surveys of properties built within the relevant RAAC timeframe.
In a written statement to the Senedd, climate change minister Julie James said: ‘Trivallis, registered social landlord, has responded swiftly to alert residents to the situation and offer support and alternative accommodation to its tenants. My officials are in regular contact with Trivallis.
‘My thoughts are with all households in Hirwaun, which have been affected by RAAC. I want to thank social landlords for their ongoing work to identify properties built using RAAC.’
More information about RAAC is available on the Welsh Government website.