Scots Flat Owner “Trapped” by £30k Council Repair Bill
An Edinburgh homeowner feels stuck after receiving a £30,000 bill for building repairs, leaving her in a tough financial spot.
Edinburgh, Scotland, Building Repairs, Council, Homeowner
Edinburgh: A homeowner is feeling pretty trapped after getting hit with a £30,000 bill from the council for repairs to her flat. Erin Miller, 32, thought the improvements would boost her property’s value, but when she saw the price tag, she was in tears.
She initially supported the work, but when the costs came in, she changed her mind. Unfortunately, her fellow residents, including tenants, voted to go ahead with it, leaving her outvoted. Even with a grant to help, she still needs to find nearly £20,000, which is a huge burden.
Now, Erin’s plans to sell her flat are on hold. Any potential buyers would have to know about that hefty bill, which would definitely scare them off. She’s really frustrated with how the council has handled everything.
Living in a mixed-tenure block, Erin thought the improvements would be good for everyone. But the council only moves forward if more than half of the residents agree, and with four council tenants and just two homeowners, she felt outnumbered.
She did manage to get an £11,000 grant, but that still leaves her with a bill of just under £20,000. Erin said she was on the fence about the vote, but in the end, she just couldn’t afford it. She felt like there was no real consultation about the extent of the work or how it would be done.
It’s tough for her, feeling like a tenant in her own home. The council gave her a choice between a repayment plan with a 4% interest rate or selling her flat back to them. Neither option seems good to her.
Erin’s been working overtime just to keep up with the council’s demands. She had dreams of moving in with her partner, but now she feels stuck. The council’s response has been hit or miss, and she’s felt pretty unsupported throughout this whole ordeal.
She’s been really stressed out, especially after the council meeting where they didn’t seem to understand her situation. The council even suggested using savings to cover the bill, which isn’t realistic for most people.
Adding to her frustration, the council is taking a 20% management fee for the work, which feels like a slap in the face. Sinead McNulty from Living Rent pointed out that this situation is tough for everyone involved, especially since the council has neglected these homes for years.
Lezley Marion Cameron from the council said they’re trying to ensure safe living conditions, but it’s clear that the current system isn’t working for everyone. Erin just wants a fair solution that doesn’t leave her feeling trapped in her own home.