A Scots woman living with Multiple Sclerosis and her elderly mother are facing eviction after nearly 30 years in their home.
Debra Torrance and her mother, Jean, have rented their flat in Milngavie from estate agency Fielding and McLean for decades. However, they are now being evicted as the landlord plans to sell the property, reports Glasgow Live.
Debra expressed interest in purchasing the flat, but claims her offer was ignored. The agency stated that the landlord’s asking price was turned down by Debra.
Debra’s health is significantly impacted by her MS, and her mother recently suffered a stroke. She fears the stress of eviction is worsening her condition and worries her frail mother may not be able to handle the disruption of leaving their long-time home.
She told Glasgow Live: “There’s no suitable alternative accommodation nearby, and our lives are rooted in this village—doctors, schools, work, everything. The stress is aggravating my MS, and I’m afraid my mum isn’t well enough to endure the move after nearly 30 years here.”
Living Rent, a tenants’ rights group, plans to protest outside Fielding and McLean on Friday to oppose the eviction.
Debra tried looking for accommodation from local housing services but they are unable to add her to their lists, and both she and her mother require an adapted property due to their health needs.
Living Rent alleges that over the years, the landlord has raised the rent by 45% and neglected essential repairs to windows, doors, and electrical systems.
A spokesperson for Fielding and McLean said: “Whilst it is always disappointing to serve notice to quit on a tenant – particularly those of a long standing nature – we are simply carrying out our clients instructions.
“Jean Torrance has a short assured tenancy which permits the Landlord to serve notice to quit when required. The rent currently being paid is less than half the current market rent and it is not possible for the Landlord to continue letting the property on such terms.
“We did have a discussion with Deborah Torrance regarding the sale of the property however the price sought by the Landlord was rejected by her.
“We are sorry to hear about Jean’s ill health and wish her a speedy recovery.”
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