Flammable cladding and the effects on homeowner well-being

Housing quality impacts on occupant well-being. Flammable cladding is a housing quality defect that has been identified on thousands of buildings in Australia. Little is known about the impact of flammable cladding upon homeowners and the implications for policy. The well-being of homeowners in residential apartment buildings with flammable cladding (from low to extreme risk) was explored through sixteen one-hour semi-structured interviews. Those residing in higher-risk apartments felt unsafe and all had financial concerns. Some homeowners displayed long-term negative emotions and others spent significant time dealing with the cladding issues without accomplishment. Their liveability suffered with changes including: making cost-saving decisions on entertainment and holidays, delaying retirement and emerging social tensions with other residents. These lived experience insights highlight the need for improved government support and housing quality policy which considers occupant health and well-being both in dealing with the current flammable cladding crisis but also in preparation for future housing quality issues which may emerge in the future.