Disgruntled Scots tenants ‘waiting three years for repairs’ at block of flats
Residents in Edinburgh have joined together to protest their letting agent over safety and maintenance concerns that have taken three years to address. A group of furious Edinburgh locals have shared their three-year battle to have repairs done at their Granton housing development. Residents at Hesperus Crossway claim they’ve been left with draughty doors and broken shutters, prompting direct action against their Edinburgh landlord C~Urb Lettings.
The protest took place outside their property on Thursday, November 14, after tenants formed a union in July in partnership with Living Rent, Scotland’s Tenants’ union. Lucas Honey, a 35-year-old wheelchair user, expressed his frustration with the accessibility issues in his flat that have not been addressed despite his numerous requests over the years. He mentioned feeling unsafe due to broken garage shutters that compromise security.
Another resident, Siobhan Schulberg, 54, highlighted long-term maintenance issues not being resolved by the letting agent, leading to health concerns such as black mould in her flat. Stephen Hughes, 54, who has liver cancer, shared how inefficient windows in the building have resulted in high heating costs that are financially burdensome for him.
Since July, the union of residents at Hesperus Crossway has put forward demands to C~Urb Lettings for repairs and improvements including door and window replacements, garage shutter replacements, CCTV installation, and enhanced security measures in the underground carpark. Following a recent protest, C~Urb Lettings agreed to engage in discussions with the residents’ union to negotiate some of the demands.
A spokesperson for Living Rent expressed disappointment after the meeting with C~Urb Lettings, stating that no concrete timelines for repairs or commitments to increased security measures were provided. In response, a spokesperson for C~Urb Lettings described the meeting as productive and stated that they have an action plan in place to address the residents’ concerns.
The residents’ unity in facing the challenges posed by their letting agent underscores the importance of tenant solidarity and advocacy in ensuring safe and habitable living conditions. The ongoing struggle at Hesperus Crossway serves as a reminder of the significance of tenant rights and the need for landlords to fulfil their responsibilities promptly and effectively.
Insights:
The article sheds light on the plight of tenants in Edinburgh who have been enduring substandard living conditions and delayed maintenance services for an extended period. The residents’ collective action and collaboration with tenant unions highlight the power of community solidarity in addressing housing issues. The narrative underscores the significance of upholding tenant rights and holding landlords accountable for ensuring safe and habitable living environments for all residents. This story serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by tenants in navigating housing issues and the importance of advocating for improved living conditions collectively.