Dental records enabled the identification of Sheila Seleoane after her skeletal remains were found inside a flat located at Lord’s Court in Peckham, South London, in February 2022.

It was heard at an inquest that Seleoane died in August 2019 but her body was not discovered despite residents repeatedly raising concerns. London Inner South Coroner’s Court was told Ms Seleoane had suffered from Crohn’s disease and bowel inflammation.

Ms Seleoane’s neighbours told the BBC that hot towels and sheets were placed under doors in attempts to keep out a stench described as “like a dead body” while maggots were also reported in neighbouring homes.

However, despite repeated complaints to Peabody, no one from the housing association was sent to investigate, The Telegraph reports.

Peabody commissioned an independent investigation following her death which found multiple “missed opportunities” to discover Ms Seleoane’s body earlier.

The housing association said it had changed the way it investigated complaints while policies involving rent collections and gas safety checks had also been updated as a result of Ms Seleoane’s case.

However, residents have now informed the BBC that they have spoken to lawyers about legal action for damages.

In a statement Peabody said: “We have new ways of working to put people and their wellbeing at the centre of our operations.

“This is in part a cultural change which takes time, and we know very well that our services are not as good as they need to be. But we are determined to live our values, learn our lessons and continuously improve for the benefit of residents.”