Jay Lamb faces eviction from her Leith flat due to £14k rent arrears and a mice infestation, raising concerns for her children.
Jay, a mother of a two-year-old and a baby, claims that the charity isn’t providing sufficient support. Her applications to the council and Universal Credit have been rejected. Edinburgh Live has also reported on her situation, which includes a mice infestation in her flat.
Jay reports seeing mice and even a rat in her flat. Dean and Cauvin addressed the rodent problem by sending someone to kill them. However, Jay maintains that the issue remains unresolved and is a cause of concern for her children’s health.
Dean and Cauvin have warned Jay about potentially breaking her lease. Their plan is to issue her a 28-day notice to leave. Since it is supported housing, she applied for assistance, however, the council would pay her rent depending on income and savings.
Initially, her application was denied. The initial denial cited ‘minimal’ support and questioned whether this was supported housing. Jay did not appeal the original decision.
Dean and Cauvin stated they haven’t served an eviction notice. They are actively working with Jay to address her concerns. The charity’s leadership emphasizes that eviction is a last resort, and they are aiming to avoid it if possible.
Jay said Dean and Cauvin were previously helping her. She had been hopeful that housing benefits would cover the rent. However, she stated that both housing benefits and Universal Credit denied her, leaving her feeling stranded and unsupported.
Until July of last year, Jay believed the situation was resolved. She says they were handling it for her first flat. Upon returning from a trip on February 3rd, she received a 28-day notice to leave. Jay was scheduled to consult with Citizens Advice.
She claims the mice and rat infestation dates back to February 2023. Her baby was born in November 2024. Upon returning home, she discovered a dead mouse, leading her to believe the environment is unsanitary for her children.
The exterminator’s visit was a one-time occurrence. Although the mice disappeared for a week, they returned soon after. She claims very little else has been done by the charity. Jay feels the conditions are unsafe for her children, pointing to droppings found on their beds as evidence.
The charity suspects Jay’s partner lives with her, a violation of their policy that only single parents and children reside there. They also stated that she missed an important meeting to assess her housing situation. Jay said she needed time after her baby was born.
Jay acknowledged that her partner visits daily and assists with childcare. They see him often, which leads them to believe he resides there. Jay says the charity is aware of her challenges. Despite this, they are proceeding with eviction.
Jay expresses uncertainty about her future, fearing she may end up in a hotel. The sound of mice at night causes her significant anxiety. Jay admitted she does not know what to do.
Jay’s rent is approximately £250 per week. Dean and Cauvin assert that she has not made any rent payments. They confirmed that support was offered, but visits were ultimately canceled.
The charity intends to issue a notice to leave on February 1st. This would terminate her lease on February 28, 2025. They also plan to pursue collection of the unpaid rent.
Gary Dewar, the charity’s leader, emphasizes their commitment to the well-being of those they support. While adhering to a strict privacy policy that prevents them from discussing individual cases publicly.
They are committed to helping people keep their homes and provides general details about their mission. Their services are designed to address the specific needs of the individuals receiving support. The charity focuses on helping people find helpful solutions.
The charity offers support when a lease is broken. Pre-eviction notices, the charity said, are only a measure of last resort to avoid eviction. They work to find a solution.