A group of students in the West End were simply ‘abandoned on the street’ by their landlord, leaving them at risk of becoming homeless, after the property’s HMO licence was removed, it has been claimed.

The shocking incident earlier this year has been highlighted by Hillhead councillor Martha Wardop, who 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. 

Glasgow Times:

Ms Wardrop said that 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.

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The students were then forced to leave the flats earlier this year.  The issue was raised at the Hillhead Area Partnership yesterday.

She said: “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. There are too many students left in very vulnerable circumstances by HMO landlords and it has got to stop.”

Members of the 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.”

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Councillor Hanif Malik also raised concerns that the planning and licensing departments don’t seem to talk to each other about these issues.  He said: “There is accommodation that doesn’t have planning permission and it continues to get HMO licenses who have students in those buildings and this really has to stop.

“We have lost two students already and I don’t want to see any further loss of life or limb. I have consistently complained about these licenses and they continue to be issued without consultation.

“Community councils are now asking the same questions I have been asking for the last four years. There needs to be more due diligence. We have a moral responsibility to ensure the safety of the people living in these buildings.”