Glasgow property 'covered in mould and dampness' family say

Bart Derlatka, his wife and two children, were sent to live in temporary accommodation in Castlemilk after his business collapsed.

He claims the property quickly became a 'health hazard' after thick black spores and swathes of damp began to appear through the paintwork in the bathroom and kitchen - before water began pouring in through holes in the ceiling.

The family were rehomed in the property after Bart’s security fencing company folded and he has blasted housing chiefs for the toll he claims it has taken. 

Bart, 44, said: “We pretty much lost everything. Contracts for repairs to motorways that my firm was due to start work on were cancelled and the bottom fell out of what was a very successful business. We had to move from our home into temporary accommodation six months ago due to the massive financial hit we suffered.

“When we got the keys, we noticed the flat had been freshly painted, but after a short while, we started to see thick black mould coming through - and it just kept getting worse.

"At first, we just tried to get on with it, knowing this was just a short-term situation and I was hoping things would pick up and I could move my family out. However, as the months passed more mould appeared and we were dragged to breaking point.

“The bathroom ceiling and walls are absolutely covered and water is pouring in from multiple leaks. The windows in the living room are also disgusting, and in my view the whole place is a complete health hazard. I’m worried about my family and the impact this is having on them."

Bart, his wife Gosia, 40 and daughters Karolina, 14, and Nikola, nine, were placed in the property by Glasgow City Council and Cassiltoun Housing Association.

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Bart exclusively told the Glasgow Times: “I was shocked at the state of the place, and we’ve been plagued with problems. It’s clear there are fundamental issues with the building that need to be sorted out and I’ve raised my views. 

"How on earth does anyone think it’s acceptable to live like this? This type of accommodation is for people who are in a vulnerable position and need help to get back on track, to put them in this type of position is just wrong.

“The irony is they also think it is fair to then charge £180 per week in rent to live in a place like this. I’m determined to work my way out of the situation, and I’m doing everything I can to get my family out of here. I have no option but to find a private rent elsewhere, but I'd hate to think of anyone else being housed here and having to put up with this. 

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“My wife and kids are upset at the state of the place - it’s just not okay to home people in accommodation like this. There are a lot of problems that need to be addressed. Even the furniture and curtains are now covered in mould. Quite simply it's not a healthy environment."

A spokesperson for Cassiltoun Housing Association said: “The resident reported a repair to us on March 9.  We visited the property, which is let to the temporary furnished flat team at Glasgow City Council who are responsible for supporting the tenant and noted that there was a watermark on the kitchen ceiling which we are currently investigating the cause of.  

"We were concerned to find mould throughout the property, the home was cold and there was no heating as the gas had been capped. 

“We immediately raised our concerns with the property manager at the temporary furnished flat team who assured us that they would liaise with the resident to provide support and put measures in place to remove the mould and apply the appropriate treatment." 

A spokesperson for Glasgow City Council added: “We have been engaging with the service user for a number of weeks now to have these issues resolved."