A group of students in Glasgow’s West End were ‘abandoned on the street’ by their landlord after the property lost it’s licence for multiple occupancy, it has been claimed.
Hillhead councillor Martha Wardop said the students were forced to leave the flats earlier this year after health and safety concerns had been raised at the properties on Rupert Street, Glasgow Street and Oakfield Avenue because of lack of repairs by the owner.
Ms Wardrop is now calling for action to be taken by Glasgow City Council’s homelessness team and licensing department to ensure landlords with an HMO (Housing in Multiple Occupation) licence follow protocol.
She said: “There are too many students left in very vulnerable circumstances by HMO landlords and it has got to stop.
“I spoke to residents recently who were very upset about what happened at Glasgow Street and Oakfield Avenue. The private sector tenants were just left on the street with all their belongings with no support, no assistance and no help from the council.
“I would like a review of procedures for HMO landlords who do not comply with health and safety and repairs. I would also like to know what happens to the tenants and what safeguards there are by the homelessness team at Glasgow City Council.
“I think lessons have to be learned from what happened.”
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Members of the Hillhead Area Partnership committee agreed that something had to be done to address the problem once and for all.
Chairman councillor Ken Andrew suggested that the partnership invite someone from the licensing committee to come and explain how these properties are managed and why some are not monitored or properly maintained.
Mr Andrew said: “It is an absolute disgrace what is going on and I think someone should come and speak to that.
“We are losing pre-1919 housing stock because of lack of maintenance. Homelessness is caused by this, families are being pushed out of Hillhead because of anti-social behaviour.
“I have raised this but there has been no response so far.”
Copy supplied by Local Democracy Reporting Service.
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