A Glasgow family has been enduring living in an “uninhabitable” home for two years, despite numerous complaints to the housing association about the damp conditions. Danielle Johnstone, a mother of four, describes the Wheatley Homes property as being “riddled with mould”. The family moved into the house in July 2021 and began noticing damp issues a few months later. With four children ranging from 14 years to 10 months old, they have been dealing with “furry mould” in various areas and walls in the living room that drip with water.
According to Danielle, her children have developed respiratory health problems due to the damp conditions, which have also taken a toll on the family’s physical and mental well-being, particularly affecting her husband John, who suffers from multiple sclerosis. In October, the family was temporarily relocated to an Airbnb for two weeks while contractors installed thermal plasterboard and infra-red wallpaper in an attempt to address the dampness. Upon their return, they found the house in a state of disrepair, with damaged furniture, furnishings, and personal belongings.
A spokesperson for Wheatley Homes stated that the home had undergone testing and was deemed safe and suitable for living. They mentioned that 99.2% of mould and damp cases are dealt with within 15 working days, and traces of mould had been removed from the property. However, they acknowledged that the quality of the plasterwork and decorations did not meet the housing association’s standards. Danielle expressed frustration that her concerns were not taken seriously when first reported in late 2022, and despite efforts to follow recommendations such as airing out the house and applying anti-mould paint, the issues persisted.
Despite ongoing communication with the local housing director, Danielle feels that her situation is not being adequately addressed. She emphasised that the house remains unsuitable for habitation, with continuous damp problems affecting different rooms even after recent insulation efforts. Danielle posted a video on TikTok sharing the deteriorating conditions of the home and stressed that it is no longer livable. She believes the damp environment has led to respiratory problems in her two youngest daughters, aged 4 and 10 months, and insists that they should not be residing there.
In response, Wheatley Homes stated that they take reports of mould and damp seriously and that short-term solutions had been implemented to address the immediate issues. They acknowledged the need for further repairs to resolve the long-term problems and apologised to the family for the inconvenience caused. Wheatley Homes offered temporary relocations and alternative housing options, but the family declined, preferring to stay in their current community. A new property in their neighbourhood has been made available to them, prioritising their transfer to a more suitable home.
In summary, the Johnstone family’s plight sheds light on the challenges faced by some families living in inadequate housing conditions despite raising concerns and seeking assistance. The ongoing battle with dampness not only affects their physical health but also takes a toll on their emotional well-being. It is crucial for housing associations to address such issues promptly and effectively to ensure that families have safe and habitable living spaces.