An Aberdeen woman yesterday told councillors her life had been ruined since a neighbouring flat had been turned into a house of multiple occupation.
Julie Thompson urged the city council’s licensing committee to reject an application to renew the HMO licence for the flat above her on Bannermill Place.
Keith Lamb bought the property in 2007, and was given permission to use is as an HMO in 2013.
Yesterday, a desperate Miss Thomson claimed there had been eight flooding incidents since he took on the property – and that he was not fit to hold the licence.
She said: “The evidence speaks for itself.
“There have been eight escapes of water incidents.
“This does not happen in well maintained, well managed properties.
“The only body that can take action to stop these escapes is the licensing committee.
“I am asking the committee to refuse to renew the licence on the ground that the landlord and his agent are unfit to hold a HMO licence.
“If it is not struck down the escapes of water will go on and on.
She added: “Neither the landlord nor his agent are available to answer calls from their tenants – messages are not responded to.”
“The only way my quality of life can return to what is was before is if the application is rejected.”
Bill Lamb, the applicant’s father, had taken over as the agent for the proposal and was present at the hearing alongside Chris Renton, who deals with maintenance at the house.
When pressed by members of the committee they were unable to say when a full inspection of the property was last carried out before it was required for the application.
Mr Lamb said: “There have been no objections by the tenants, the points made are historical and not relevant now.”
Several councillors expressed horror at Miss Thompson’s situation.
Councillor Steve Delaney said: “I’m appalled at the way this property has been managed.
“In 10 years there has not been one full inspection until it was required to meet the HMO licence application.”
Councillor Michael Hutchison added: “I am normally a supporter of HMOs but this has all the stereotypes of what people fear about them.”
They agreed not to renew the licence 10 votes to five.