Eviction Threat Looms Over Family, Dimming Holiday Spirit

A father and his adolescent daughter confront the prospect of homelessness following an instruction to vacate their leased residence in Leicestershire. Alan, aged 60, states he received a “no-fault eviction” notice merely weeks after becoming unemployed. Alan and Emily, 13, have been instructed to vacate their semi-detached house in Hinckley by mid-next month, as their landlord intends to sell the property. Over the last year, more than 2,000 tenants in the East Midlands have been issued Section 21 eviction notices. “Christmas is not in this house this year,” Alan states. “It doesn’t feel like Christmas.” Their rear room is currently filled with boxes containing personal belongings and mementos, such as Emily’s childhood dolls, as they get ready for their departure. Although Alan was aware of his landlord’s intention to sell, the receipt of the Section 21 notice was still profoundly shocking. “Everything just fell apart, it felt like someone just pulled your heart out, because to me this is my home,” he conveyed to the BBC. The timing proved exceptionally unfortunate, as Alan’s employment contract as a sports instructor had concluded only recently. While he qualifies for Universal Credit and Housing Benefit, Alan indicates that the escalating expenses of private rentals make it impossible for him to secure any tenancy in Hinckley. He fears this situation will impede his ability to find new employment. “If I go to work in a school, the first thing they want to know is ‘where do you live?’ he said.” He added, “If I haven’t got an address, I haven’t got a job.” Alan has been placed on Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s housing register, but he has been informed that no appropriate social housing is presently accessible. The council reports that he is among 350 individuals seeking two-bedroom residences, with an average waiting period exceeding six months. Alan declined a provisional proposal to share a room with Emily at a hostel designated for homeless families. This offer was subsequently rescinded because they own a cat named Baba, and the hostel has a no-pets policy. He commented: “My cat saved the day. They said because of the cat you can’t go into the homeless place. She’s our family.” He further stated: “They’re trying to put me in a B&B as well. And that would be difficult because you can’t take your pets with you either.” The council has successfully arranged a 12-day extension for his eviction notice, pushing the deadline to 13 January. The authority is now proposing assistance to help him obtain a new private rental agreement in a more affordable location, by raising his housing allowance and covering six months’ rent in advance. A list of available properties within the specified price bracket has been provided, located within a 50-mile radius of Hinckley or his relatives in the Nottingham region. Nuneaton hosts the nearest option, while other properties are situated further afield in Daventry, Grantham, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Bolsover, Sheffield, and Scunthorpe. Emily expresses concern regarding their eventual destination. “I don’t know if I will have to move schools, I might not see my friends,” she stated. She added, “I was really sad and scared because I don’t want to leave. It’s stressful because I’ve lived in this house for ages, it’s my safe place.” When questioned about the potential worst-case scenario, Alan became emotional. “Not having [anything]. They don’t realise how difficult it is. I’ve done everything people asked me to do. I want to be happy for my family,” he articulated. “No-fault evictions” are becoming more prevalent. Data from the Office for National Statistics indicates an 18% increase in such cases across the East Midlands over two years. On a typical weekly basis, local authorities throughout the region process approximately 40 Section 21 orders. The housing advocacy organization, Shelter, has published comprehensive guidance for renters who receive these notices. The government has committed to prohibiting this practice as part of an upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill. For further updates, follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story submissions can be sent to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.