Campaign group stage protest against 'not fit for human habitation' living conditions in Edinburgh flat

Protesters from Living Rent outside the DJ Alexander offices (Photo: Living Rent)

Housing campaigners staged a protest against what they claimed is conditions "not fit for human habitation" in central Edinburgh today.

Living Rent, who are a tenants union focusing on fairer rents and better housing conditions in the Capital and Scotland-wide, staged the protest outside the headquarters of Edinburgh letting agents DJ Alexander.

The group said conditions in the flat of Natacha Garbano, which is let through DJ Alexander, has led to the tenants being unable to walk barefoot due to the amount of water, mould on the walls and a mouse problem.

Plaster is also peeling off the walls with chunks of the ceiling falling to the floor.

The problem, which has been going on for almost a year, was blamed on difficulties organising repair works through the block's factors by DJ Alexander.

Kevin Fraser, who is head of property management at the letting agent, said the company had offered to rehome the tenant and had done all it could to help.

He said: "We have gone out to meet the tenant and the condition of the property as a result of these leaks is not good, and we made it clear to her that it was not going to be a quick fix.

"We said we will help you find something else but we don't have a factoring licence so all we can do is keep badgering.

"It has been unsatisfactory for the tenant but we can only do what is within our remit."

Natacha Garbano, the tenant of the flat, said: "Our flat is not fit for human habitation. No one should have to spread buckets of water all over their home and live in constant fear that the roof will cave in at any moment.

"The distress from this situation is really affecting us and we feel that we have been grossly mistreated by DJ Alexander. Something needs to be done immediately for the sake of our health."

Eilidh McIvor, a member of Living Rent taking part in the protest, said: "It is completely unacceptable that Scotland’s largest letting agency is getting away with treating tenants in this way. These shambolic conditions are in direct contravention of Scottish housing law.

"If DJ Alexander does not fix the roof immediately and compensate our members appropriately, we will leave all options on the table, including taking legal action against them."