A frustrated mother in Dumbarton has taken a stand by withholding her rent after enduring over three years of waiting for repairs to her family home. Marie Brady, who moved into her property on Lomond Drive with her sons Declan, 16, and Logan, 13, in 2021, expressed concerns about necessary repairs at the time of moving in. She was informed that the repairs could not be completed until she had settled in. However, three years down the line, Marie claims that Caledonia Housing Association has still not addressed the issues, leaving her home plagued with damp problems so severe that she can’t even hang pictures on the walls.
Marie has decided to take drastic action in response to the ongoing situation by falling into rent arrears as she refuses to pay until the necessary repairs are carried out. She has reached out to various authorities including her housing association, environmental health, the Scottish Housing Ombudsman, and even her local politician, Jackie Baillie, in a bid to have the repairs addressed. Despite some minimal repairs being carried out, Marie feels unsupported and stressed as her rent is being deducted from her universal credit, with no noticeable progress on the repairs.
Expressing her frustration, Marie shared, “All I want is to make my house a home.” Caledonia Housing Association responded to the situation, acknowledging that they had not met their expected standards for Ms. Brady and asserting their commitment to ensuring that the repairs are completed promptly.
Marie’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals dealing with inadequate housing conditions and the impact it can have on their daily lives. It also highlights the importance of timely and efficient response from housing associations to address tenants’ concerns and maintain safe and habitable living spaces for all residents.