A family of five in Glasgow is pleading for help as their ceiling is ‘dangerously caving in’, and the bathroom is plagued by mould. Kharman Ahmed, her husband Hiwa Khalid Saleem, and their three children are living in the flat, battling damp and mould for a year, and now seeking assistance from the authorities. The Kurdish refugee family, residents of Castlemilk, Glasgow, are worried about their health due to Wheatley Homes’ inaction. The issue began with a leak in the bathroom two years ago, and despite Wheatley Homes inspecting it and reportedly doing minimal repairs, the ceiling is now caving in, and black mould is spreading. The family has requested respect and a safe living environment free of mould.
The family has appealed to Wheatley Homes and the Glasgow City Council for help, as the housing association claims only external repairs are their responsibility, while repairs for mould and damp are handled by the council. Kharman, who cares for her husband and distressed children, is frustrated by Wheatley Homes’ refusal to address the repairs, leading to increasingly poor living conditions over the past year. Living Rent, a tenants union, has called out both Wheatley Homes and the council for neglecting their responsibilities to the family. The family’s 20-year-old daughter, acting as a translator, has been living in a hotel for three months awaiting rehousing, but complications with occupancy tenancy documents hinder self-initiated repair efforts.
Living Rent sent a stern letter to Wheatley Homes urging immediate action on the necessary repairs, emphasizing that every tenant deserves to live in a mould-free home. Meanwhile, a Glasgow City Council representative acknowledged the issue and stated they are collaborating with Wheatley Homes to resolve it. The council clarified that the family are temporary residents in a furnished flat managed by them, not by Wheatley Homes. The family’s frustration and concerns over health risks due to the damp environment have led to a call for stronger legislation in Scotland against poor housing conditions, emphasizing the responsibility of landlords to provide safe homes.
Mould and damp problems persist in the flat as Wheatley Homes Glasgow distances itself from direct responsibility for repairs. Despite this, they have expressed willingness to work with the council to address the issue, as a tradesperson has been requested to assist with repairs. The family, considered temporary residents and lacking essential documents to navigate housing issues, remain stuck in deteriorating conditions. The involvement of Living Rent in advocating for the family highlights broader systemic issues in social housing and the need for accountability and transparency from both housing associations and local councils. The ongoing struggle of this family showcases the challenges many face in accessing safe and habitable living conditions.
The situation faced by the family in Glasgow raises concerns about the accountability of housing authorities in providing safe homes for vulnerable families. The family’s plea for respect, health, and a mould-free living environment underscores the urgent need for better support systems to address housing issues in the city. As the family continues to fight against damp and mould in their home, the role of tenants unions and advocacy groups becomes crucial in amplifying their voices and pressuring authorities to take action. The persistence of the family in seeking help and the support of advocacy groups shed light on the systemic issues that contribute to poor housing conditions and the urgency of addressing them for the well-being of all residents.
