A LETTING agent has one year to prove it can sort out a Woodlands party flat.

The House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) at 35 Montague Street has been the location for late night student parties for around six years.

The old Victorian era bloc has been “shaken” in its foundations due to music, shouting and door-banging, according to a resident.

City licensing councillors granted the renewal for the HMO licence – but for one year, instead of the three years applied for.

Catherine Macleod, resident above the flat, said: “It’s like they’ve been rehearsing for the door slamming Olympics.”

Mc Macleod, who has an ill 82-year-old husband, says the block’s been getting woken up at 4am regularly.

Students come off the streets and wander into the flat for a party, she claims.

The chatter of smokers going in and out of the property further adds to the mayhem.

Ms Macleod told how she was forced to clean up a bin bag of sick that was put in the bin shed.

She added: “It can be very difficult, and they can become hostile and aggressive when approached.

“It’s when people have been on the cheeky juice you get responses inappropriate and not typical of the tenant.”

Residents of the block are at their wits end from the problems that have plagued them for six years.

Councillor Graham Campbell added: “The events described are appalling. Literally, nauseating. If I had to go through that I’d be very upset.”

Cairn Estate and Letting has been meeting regularly with residents to tackle the problems.

Carolann Waters, HMO specialist, suggested meeting with Ms Macleod once a month for a coffee.

She said: “We’ve got a very strict noise policy at Cairn – it’s two strikes and they’re out.

“We appreciate it’s a tenement property, not student accommodation.

“We try to make them aware they are living in a close with other people.”

Ms Waters told how she only took over the running of the property last year.

She plans to turn it all around by perhaps converting it to a “sensitive let”.

This would mean letting the rooms out to older students, said Ms Waters.

She added: “Having done this for a few years, older tenants seem to have their heads screwed on properly.”

Committee convener Alex Wilson commended Ms Waters’ efforts to turn the flat around and work closely with residents.

Councillor Robert Connelly said: “I’m worried this will continue.

“Considering how long it has been going on, it’s very concerning that it’s not been picked up.”

The agent will return to the committee in a year should it wish to apply for a further HMO licence.