Leith Resident Lucas has won a rent reduction of £175 for 6 months - that's a total of £1050 compensation!
After living in the flat for only a month, Lucas was unable to shower and use the sinks in the bathroom and kitchen due to a blockage in the plumbing. This blockage meant water from the kitchen sinks and shower would accumulate in the shower tray and leak onto the downstairs neighbour, leaving Lucas' shower and sink completely unusable.
Temporary repairs that failed to address the cause of the leak left Lucas feeling frustrated and powerless - so he got organised with fellow Living Rent members.
Through member defence action, we were able to arrange a meeting with the landlady who was completely unaware of the extent of these issues and that Lucas had been left for so long without access to water.
Living Rent getting involved brought to light that poor communication and a lack of meaningful action by the lettings agent DRM Residential meant the landlady responsible for the property couldn't do her job and Lucas faced weeks of undue stress.
Through negotiations, we arranged for the repairs to be done, the landlady in addition has replaced the whole shower and sincerely apologised for the issues, agreeing to the full compensation requested by Living Rent, and even gifted homemade gin and artisanal soap.
Organising with your neighbours, friends and community is the best way to build power against injustice. If you feel ignored or treated unfairly by a letting agency, housing association or council, come along to your next member defence meeting and learn how you can fight it.
You can find your next local member defence meeting on our events page.
