A familly-of-five are pleading with the authorities to treat them with "respect" after battling damp and mould in their Castlemilk flat for a year.
Kharman Ahmed lives in the flat with her husband, Hiwa Khalid Saleem, and their three children aged five, 10 and 13 years old. The Kurdish refugee family have been living in the property for three years, and now fear for their health as they slam the lack of action being taken by Wheatley Homes.
The problem began when a leak started in the bathroom around two years ago. It is claimed that Wheatley Homes inspected the bathroom before installing a plank of wood on the ceiling, which is now said to be "dangerously caving in".
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Tenants union, Living Rent claim workers have not returned to the flat to re-plaster the ceiling, with water continuing to pour down the wall. For the past year, this has led to damp and black mould growing all over the bathroom walls.
Wheatley Homes told Glasgow Live that they only deal with 'external' repairs to the council-owned property and that issues with damp and mould should be taken up with Glasgow City Council.
However the union says that Wheatley Homes manage the block and has already been out to inspect the bathroom alongside repairing issues with the boiler and meter reading. They refute this claim and say the council's casework team would be responsible for raising repairs for mould and damp, fixing the boiler and fixing the electricity meter.
Kharman cares for her 45-year-old husband who suffers from depression, migraines and chronic back pain. Their 20-year-old daughter, who supports them with translation in understanding English, has been placed in a hotel for the last three months whilst she waits to be rehoused.
The family are said to be living in the property on a 'temporary basis' and have an occupancy tenancy with the council but they do not have access to a number of documents, including their bills and energy suppliers, making it harder to get repairs done by themselves.
Desperate for someone to listen, 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 says that neither Wheatley Homes or Glasgow City Council are taking responsbility for the repairs which has been "incredibly hard for the family to navigate".
However, the council claim they have been working with Wheatley Homes to 'resolve the issue'. The housing association said the family are not their tenants but will work with the council to help get them support.
On Thursday April 25, the union sent a letter to Wheatley Homes demanding urgent repairs be carried out.
Living Rent Organiser, Sonja Coquelin added: "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.
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"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 Wheatley Homes Glasgow spokesperson 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."
A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council said: "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."
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