A family of five is pleading with the council for help in maintaining their mould-ridden flat where the ceiling is ‘dangerously caving in’ and the bathroom is filled with mould
A couple and their three children are living in a mould-ridden flat with a bathroom plagued by damp – and are pleading to authorities for help.
The family of five, residing in Castlemilk, Glasgow, have been battling the damp and mould for a year and are now pleading for “respect” from the authorities. Kharman Ahmed, her husband Hiwa Khalid Saleem, and their three children aged five, 10 and 13 years old, live in the flat. The Kurdish refugee family have resided in the property for three years and are now concerned for their health due to Wheatley Homes’ lack of action.
The issue started when a leak began in the bathroom approximately two years ago. It’s alleged that Wheatley Homes inspected the bathroom and installed a plank of wood on the ceiling, which is now reportedly “dangerously caving in”. And Living Rent, a tenants union, claims that workers haven’t returned to re-plaster the ceiling, and water continues to cascade down the wall. This has resulted in damp and black mould spreading across the bathroom walls over the past 12 months.
Wheatley Homes said they only handle “external” repairs to the council-owned property, and any issues with damp and mould should be addressed with Glasgow City Council, reports Glasgow Live. The union has stated that Wheatley Homes, which manages the block, has already inspected the bathroom and addressed issues with the boiler and meter reading. However, they deny this claim, asserting that it’s the council’s casework team who should handle repairs for mould and damp, as well as fixing the boiler and electricity meter.
Kharman, who looks after her 45-year-old husband suffering from depression, migraines, and chronic back pain, is in distress. Their 20 year old daughter, who aids them by translating English, has been stuck in a hotel for three months awaiting rehousing. Labelled as “temporary” residents, the family holds an occupancy tenancy with the council but lacks access to crucial documents like bills and energy supplier details, complicating any self-initiated repair efforts.
In a plea for help, Kharman said: “I do not understand why we have to live in a home that is not safe. I worry about my husband and children’s health. Damp and mould is not good for my children and it makes me angry that Wheatley Homes are refusing to do proper repairs. It is completely appalling. This is not a way to raise children – I want them to live in a safe and healthy home free from mould and damp. We’ve tried everything to get Wheatley Homes to deal with the repairs but for over a year, they’ve done nothing. All we ask is for our home to be up to standards and for us be treated with the respect we deserve.”
The union has voiced frustration over Wheatley Homes and Glasgow City Council, accusing both of shirking responsibility for essential repairs, leaving the family in a difficult position. Yet, the council asserts they are collaborating with Wheatley Homes to “resolve the issue”. The housing association clarified that the family are not their tenants but expressed willingness to cooperate with the council to provide support. On Thursday April 25, Living Rent sent a stern letter to Wheatley Homes, calling for immediate action on the necessary repairs.
Living Rent Organiser, Sonja Coquelin, said: “I am shocked to see yet again another family living in a mouldy flat. We all deserve to live in mould and damp free homes. It is unbelievable that this family has had mould and damp in his flat for so long. We know the effects of poor quality housing on people’s health. Wheatley has a responsibility to ensure people’s homes are in a livable condition. Tenants should not be forced to accept mould as part and parcel of our living experience. We need legislation that puts the responsibility firmly back where it belongs, at the door of the landlords. If England can legislate against mould and damp, so can Scotland.”
A spokesperson for Wheatley Homes Glasgow said: “The family are not Wheatley Homes Glasgow tenants and are staying in a temporary furnished flat, which is managed by Glasgow City Council. We will continue to liaise with the council to support them in getting any repairs carried out as soon as possible.”
Meanwhile, a representative from Glasgow City Council made a statement saying: “We were made aware of the issues with the issue of water penetration on 22 April. We have been working with Wheatley Homes Glasgow to resolve the issue. Plumbers attended the property on the April 23 and undertook repairs after HSCP officers carried out a visit to the property. Following further concerns being highlighted, Wheatley Homes Glasgow have requested that a tradesperson attend the property to further assist.”
