A woman in her early forties had been living in a privately rented three-bedroom house with her three children for seven years. She previously lived with her partner in a two-bedroom council property and decided to leave secure and affordable council housing after the birth of the couple’s third child. The council advised that the wait for a suitable three-bedroom property could be up to three years.
The property they moved to was the only house they viewed. It met all the family’s needs, was in good condition and close to schools and family. Although the couple separated, the family settled well in their new location, with the older children attending local schools and taking part in community activities like football. Although they only personalised the property to a limited extent, and despite the nagging sense of insecurity, it felt like home.
Without warning, a Section 21 notice arrived via email, requiring the family to vacate within two months, causing significant distress. The estate agent was unaware of the reason and suggested it could be due to the landlord’s age, potential care needs, or the anticipated impact of the Renters Rights Bill. Advice was sought from Shelter and the local Council’s homeless prevention team. The family’s preference is to return to secure social housing, even if it means temporary accommodation in the short-term or relocation.
In the seven years that the family have been in their private rental, rents for a three-bedroom house in the area have doubled to around £1,400 per month.
Although council staff have done their best to be helpful, the process is frustrating, precarious, and unsettling. The council advised not to leave voluntarily and although the family have been placed in the second highest housing need category, this has not been enough so far for bids on properties to be successful.
The eviction process has severely impacted the woman’s mental health, something that had not been a previous concern despite a very high-pressure job.
Their eldest child also struggled emotionally.
After hearing little for several months, the woman was notified that the Section 21 notice had been served incorrectly and must be re-served. The possibility of the family moving on to the next stage of their lives has moved further away again. The family continues to live with the stress and anxiety of living in a house but not having a home.
