Scots family living in ‘uninhabitable’ home two years after first reporting damp

A Scottish family in Glasgow has been enduring living conditions in an “uninhabitable” home for two years despite multiple complaints to the housing association about dampness. Danielle Johnstone, along with her husband John and their four children, moved into a Wheatley Homes property in July 2021 and discovered damp a few months later. The family has been coping with mould infestations, with walls in the living room even dripping with water. Danielle has raised concerns about the impact of the damp conditions on her family’s health, particularly her husband, who has multiple sclerosis, and her two youngest daughters who have developed respiratory issues.

In an attempt to address the damp problems, the family was temporarily relocated to an Airbnb for two weeks while contractors worked on the property. However, upon their return, they found their home in a worse state with damaged furniture and belongings. Wheatley Homes stated that the property had been tested and deemed safe, with most mould and damp cases addressed within 15 working days. Despite the initial repairs, Danielle continues to face ongoing challenges with damp and mould, leading her to assert that the house is “totally uninhabitable.”

Danielle’s attempts to escalate the issue to the housing association have left her feeling unheard and underserved. She highlighted the lack of a long-term solution for their housing situation, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. Wheatley Homes acknowledged the shortcomings in the repairs carried out and expressed regret for the distress caused to the family. They offered alternative housing arrangements, which the family declined in favor of remaining in their community.

As the situation remains unresolved, Danielle continues to advocate for appropriate living conditions for her family, emphasizing the detrimental effects of the damp environment on their health and well-being. The case sheds light on the challenges faced by families in inadequate housing situations and raises questions about the responsibilities of housing associations to ensure safe and habitable living conditions for tenants.