We’re ALL being evicted from 15-storey tower block – most of us are over 70 & there’s nowhere to go
RESIDENTS who are all being evicted from a 15-storey tower block say most of them are over 70 – and there’s nowhere for them to go.
Landlord Together Housing has told 130 tenants in Halifax, West Yorkshire that they need to find somewhere else to live.
But many tenants say they want to stay put and don’t know where they will end up moving.
Together Housing said it needs to do major work on the two tower blocks, St James Court and Albion Court.
The firm said the work could take years and cannot be done while people are still living in the towers.
A spokesperson said Together Housing will give residents one-on-one support to help them find new homes.
But 76-year-old resident Richard Guillot said he started “trembling” when he opened his eviction letter.
Richard told the BBC: “This is my home – I don’t want to move to somewhere where I don’t know anyone and start again.”
Tenant Dawn Oliver said she was “really sad” about being ordered to move.
She said: “We are losing our home, our community and I don’t want to move.
“They can shove us anywhere – these flats are for the older end and there’s nowhere for us to go. It’s bad.”
The tower blocks were built in the 1960s and have been covered in scaffolding for the last four years.
Together Housing said there have been “maintenance issues” with some of the 152 homes.
A spokesperson for the landlord said: “This decision has not been taken lightly.
“Unfortunately, there’s no future for these homes and we have to do the best we can for the residents.
“Most residents will have been suitably rehoused over an 18-month period, but it could take more or less time.
“We are not rushing the process for our residents and we will work with everyone on an individual basis.”
Local councillor Joe Thompson said he would help any residents who have been evicted.
He told the Halifax Courier: “We can appreciate this will be an extremely difficult time for affected residents.
“Moving home is difficult enough as it is but when the decision is taken out of your hands that only adds to the stress.
“Residents will have deep connections to their homes and where they live and we can only empathise with how tough it will be for them.”
If you are homeless or worried about losing your home, contact Shelter here.
Section 21 no fault evictions - what are your rights?
Source: Citizens Advice
- A section 21 notice has to give you at least 2 months.
- Some tenants have a right to a longer notice. For example, 3 months’ notice if your rent is due every 3 months.
- Section 21 notices are sometimes called ‘no fault’ notices because your landlord does not need a reason for eviction.
- But your landlord must follow rules to use a section 21. For example, they have to use the right form, protect your deposit and give you a gas safety certificate.
- All councils must help stop people becoming homeless.
- You can ask the council for help as soon as you get a section 21 notice.
- Your landlord must get a possession order if you do not leave when the notice ends.
- They must not change the locks or evict you themselves.
- Your landlord can apply to court as soon as the notice period ends.
- In most cases, your landlord has to apply to court within 6 months of giving you notice.
- If you have a right to a longer notice period, your landlord has 4 months from the end date on the notice.
- The notice stops being valid if your landlord does not apply to court within this time.
- This means they would have to give you a new notice if they still want you to leave.