Families Moved Out of Tower After Air Conditioning Failures 2026

Families are being moved out of a billionaire-owned tower after suffering without air conditioning during heatwaves. The 19-storey Britannia Point in Colliers Wood, London, has become a symbol of poor housing conditions, as residents like Benice Bodah and her three teenage sons endured intermittent cooling for nearly three years. Councils are now taking action to relocate tenants, prioritizing welfare over profit.

Why Are Families Being Relocated?

Wandsworth council, which placed residents in the tower, is making immediate plans to remove its tenants. Sutton council has already stopped placing families there and is working with remaining residents to move them. Croydon council, despite high demand, has raised concerns with the owner, Criterion Capital, and is conducting welfare checks. The catalyst was a Guardian investigation revealing that residents were told they couldn't use the air conditioning as it was "not offered as an amenity."

The Role of Criterion Capital and Asif Aziz

Criterion Capital, set up by billionaire property magnate Asif Aziz, owns the building and its air conditioning units. The company has faced criticism for failing to maintain the cooling system, which is essential during UK heatwaves. Letting agencies, including Aura Assets Management, manage temporary tenancies that can last from weeks to years, leaving residents vulnerable to extreme heat.

Impact on Families and Health

For families like the Bodahs, the lack of air conditioning is more than an inconvenience—it's a health risk. With temperatures soaring, especially for children and the elderly, the inability to cool a home can lead to heat exhaustion, dehydration, and worsened respiratory conditions. Councils are now recognizing that emergency accommodation must meet basic living standards, including functional climate control.

Council Responses and Accountability

Stuart Neaverson, a Labour councillor in Merton, has called on all councils to follow suit and stop placing families in the building. He argues that Criterion Capital must explain how this situation could happen. The response from councils varies, but the trend is clear: tenant welfare is taking precedence over housing shortages.

Comparison of Council Actions

Key Takeaways for Better Housing Standards

• Air conditioning must be considered an essential amenity in temporary housing.
• Councils must prioritize tenant health over placement speed.
• Property owners like Criterion Capital are accountable for maintaining facilities.
• Transparent reporting and welfare checks are critical to preventing crises.

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