Tenants Face Eviction and Rent Hikes

Residents of the St James Estate in Bermondsey, Southwark, are confronting substantial rent increases and Section 21 'no-fault' eviction notices. The situation has led to fears of financial hardship and displacement for long-term tenants, as reported by BBC London.

Rent Hikes and Eviction Notices

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Tenants on the estate, managed by Freshview for BMR Group, have received eviction notices and face monthly rent rises of up to £500. Councillor James McAsh, Southwark Council's leader, urged Freshview to withdraw the proceedings and offer more reasonable rental terms before a deadline that would leave residents with difficult choices.

One resident, Mary Knight, who has lived on the estate since 2003, stated her rent could increase by £524 per month, from £1,376 to £1,900 for her two-bedroom house. She described the potential homelessness as an "eye-opener" and found navigating the legal process without support overwhelming.

Mae Oroszlany, a resident for nearly 20 years, received a Section 21 notice just before the Renters Rights Act came into effect on 1 May, banning such evictions. She highlighted the strong community spirit among residents who have formed a tenants' association to challenge the landlord.

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Landlord's Rationale and Council's Response

A spokesperson for Freshview stated that rents on the estate were previously "substantially below" market value. They explained that Section 21 notices were served as a "safeguard" and that recent tribunal rulings supported their proposed rent increases, which they claim reflect market values. The company also noted that rent rises are not being enforced while tribunal cases are ongoing.

David Watson, Southwark Council's executive member for community safety and engagement, acknowledged that the landlord's actions were legal but described the timing as "morally questionable", as the notices were issued the day before the ban on no-fault evictions took effect.

Asha Garway, secretary of the St James' Tenants Association, suggested the landlord aimed to convert family homes into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) for increased profit. Freshview's spokesperson denied any proposal to convert the entire estate into HMOs, stating that individual property reviews occur periodically.

Moving Forward

Freshview reported that renewal agreements, with rents below current market value, have been offered in 20 of the 32 Section 21 cases following discussions with tenants. The remaining cases primarily involve tenants with significant rent arrears or other specific circumstances. The company stated its intention to continue investing in the estate and collaborate with residents and Southwark Council.