Couple claim they have been 'repeatedly ignored' over damp and mould concerns in their Gorgie flat
An Edinburgh couple who have made repeated complaints about mould and damp in their rented flat say they hav been ‘repeatedly ignored’ by their letting agency.
Daniel Seavers, 22, has been a tenant of the property in Moat Drive, Gorgie, for three and a half years, with his girlfriend Charlie Bryans, 21, having moved in back in May 2023.
But the couple say their time in the home has been plagued by issues with damp and mould which has spread through the flat during their tenancy. They added that SouthSide Property Management, which manages the property, has ignored their requests to fully fix the issue.
Daniel and Charlie say that they have also made reports of other issues including mice infestations, broken windows and structural disrepair, which they say has made preventing the spread of the damp and mould impossible.
Daniel said: “I’ve called this house my home for three and a half years but during that time we have been repeatedly ignored. Throughout living here, the landlord has shown a complete lack of care for us living here. There have been blocked drains, damp, mould and mice.”
Charlie said: “We’ve had to throw away clothes, furniture and even sentimental personal belongings.”
Both Daniel and Charlie say that their living conditions have negatively impacted their health, with the pair claiming they have suffered with persistent coughs and difficulty breathing.
Daniel added: “Our daily living has been impacted repeatedly by the issues of this flat. I have had difficulty with breathing and on and off coughing since moving into a mould infested room.
“Every time we raise an issue to SouthSide Lettings and are ignored, we are left feeling powerless. While repairs have been carried out, most have felt rushed or with no regard to deeper or longer lasting concerns.
“In my time in this flat, I have been passed between twelve different SouthSide employees. Though they provided a large dehumidifier, it regularly reports humidities between 75 and 85 per cent, far higher than the reasonable average for a home.
“All we want is to feel like we can live in a home that we aren’t fighting to keep habitable. Both of us struggle with fatigue due to disabilities when doing any work, and the sheer amount we have to keep on top of is exhausting, especially when on top of university and jobs.”
The couple have now been served notice to leave the flat, but it is understood that this is a result of a change in personal circumstances for the property owner and is not related to Daniel and Charlie’s maintenance complaints.
In response to Daniel and Charlie’s complaints, SouthSide Property Management said that it does not agree with the claims made.
A representative for the company said: “We do not agree with a number of the tenant’s claims and have been actively addressing all issues reported, including arranging repairs, pest control visits and specialist damp inspections, while continuing to provide appropriate advice to the tenants.
“Independent inspections have found no evidence of structural damp or pest infestations, and the mould present has been linked to internal moisture levels.
“A dehumidifier was provided to assist with this after the tenants advised they could not open windows for personal reasons, although this can not fully replace natural ventilation.
“The property owner’s decision to serve notice is due to a change in personal circumstances and is unrelated to the maintenance issues raised.”
Tenant’s union Living Rent has supported Daniel and Charlie amid their concerns about their living conditions.
Phoebe Chellew, spokesperson for Living Rent, said: “Time and time again landlords show their true colours by behaving as if they are above the law. No one should be forced to live in a leaky, mould-ridden home. We all deserve to live in mould and damp free homes.”
Landlords are already required by law to repair any damp and mould issues inside their properties, but Awaab’s Law, which is set to be introduced in Scotland in October 2026, will introduce a new strict timescale that repairs must be undertaken by.
The law is named after two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who died from a respiratory condition caused by mould in his family's housing association home in Rochdale.
Phoebe added: “It is a big step forward that this government has committed to introducing Awaab’s law. Fundamentally, this legislation needs to ensure that tenants feel confident that if they report mould and damp, action will be taken.
“We need clear mechanisms to ensure repairs happen, compensation for tenants and penalties for landlords if repairs are not completed in time. This legislation needs to put the responsibility firmly back where it belongs, at the door of the landlords.
“Without government action, mould and damp will continue to wreak havoc with people’s health and homes. This government needs to legislate to force landlords of all tenures to eradicate damp and mould in their properties or else tenants will continue to pay the price.”