Tenants in Coventry evicted because they asked for repairs

[dutchman]

People are being made homeless in Coventry because some landlords fail to renew tenants' leases if they ask for repairs, it has been claimed.

Citizen's Advice Bureau claim people come to them for help as they have been given notice to leave homes after demanding essential work is done.

Government figures show there were 66 families made homeless in the city between April and June because the landlord decided not to renew an assured shorthold tenancy, the main contributor to homeless totals.

That’s more than the first three months of the year when it happened to 50 families. In the run up to Christmas last year, 39 families were made homeless for the same reason.

The figures appear in government statistics on the number of families given emergency accommodation by Coventry City Council.

Staff and volunteers the CAB in Little Park Street regularly give advice to families who have to leave rented houses.

Coventry CAB campaigns co-ordinator and affordability champion Sophie Parks said: “Housing is often in a bad condition and we see clients who are victims of a revenge eviction if a tenant complains about the disrepair of a property to the landlord, they are then served their notice.”

She said people are also being evicted because they can’t afford to pay the rent.

The majority of landlords do carry out repairs as requested.

Staff and volunteers at the bureau have been advising people, particularly disabled people, who have seen a sudden drop in income because of cuts to tax credits and the introduction of the universal credit.

Violence is the second biggest reason for emergency homelessness in the city.

Between April and June there were 30 people homeless because they had left a violent relationship. Many of them were mothers with children.

Other reasons for emergency homeless include parents no longer wanting adult sons and daughters at home, people no longer wanting their homeless friends staying and non violent relationships coming to and end.

[rebbonk]

Between April and June there were 30 people homeless because they had left a violent relationship. Many of them were mothers with children.

Really?

When my ex-wife (spit!) made (false) allegations about me it was me that was made homeless.

[dutchman]

MP says rule requiring landlords to make homes fit for human habitation is 'unnecessary'



A Warwickshire MP said rules that would have required landlords to ensure homes were fit for human habitation were “unnecessary” as his party voted down the proposals.

Nuneaton’s Conservative MP Marcus Jones was speaking in the House of Commons after Labour’s shadow housing minister Teresa Pearce called for changes to the new Housing Bill, currently being pushed through parliament by the government.

A new rule, known as clause 52, would have required all private sector landlords to make sure their properties are fit for people to live in. Those failing to comply would have been issued with hefty fines.

But local government minister Mr Jones said the new rules amounted to over-regulation and could push up rents.

He said: “New clause 52 would result in unnecessary regulation and cost to landlords which would deter further investment and push up rents for tenants.

“Of course we believe that all homes should be of a decent standard and all tenants should have a safe place to live regardless of tenure, but local authorities already have strong and effective powers to deal with poor quality and safe accommodation and we expect them to use them.”

Ms Pearce said the problems experienced by some renters - like mould on the walls - would not be tolerated in other consumer areas.

She said: “Where else in modern day life could someone get away with this?

“It’s a consumer issue. If I purchased a mobile phone or a computer that didn’t work, didn’t do what it said it would or was unsafe I would take it back and get a refund.

“If I purchased food from a shop and it was unsafe to eat I would not only get a refund but there is a high possibility the shopkeeper could be prosecuted.

“Yet if I rent from a landlord, perhaps the only available property for me, and it was unsafe to live in then I can either put up or shut up.

“In a market where demand outstrips supply renters lack basic consumer power to bargain for better conditions.”

Labour’s amendment was defeated by 219 votes, to 312 - a majority of 93.

[Melisandre]

This mp does nt live in reality I know people who live in rented accomodations when they ask for repairs to be done or have reported them to the council when needed repairs are not carried out the land lord does nt reknew their contract the landlord then tell the authorities they need the house for them selves as this is the only legal way of getting rid of the tenant . They then place one of their relatives in the property for a short while but its got rid of that tenant.

[Melisandre]

I also think the authorities should bring in some kind of proof from these land lords to prove to authorities that gas checks have been carried out yearly . Not once in the several years living in 3 seperate houses here in Coventry by the same landlord was a gas check done for my daughter having 4 children the last year prior to moving she had no heating through the winter at all as the boiler was faulty.

[rebbonk]

Was he a partner at Tustain Jones solicitors?

[rebbonk]

To answer my own question he was a conveyancing manager there. I suspect it was his wife who was the partner and is now a circuit judge.