This morning I woke up to an email from my lettings agent. It was a section 21 eviction notice. I have until 7th July to find somewhere to live.
Now, some people might think this is normal, but I’ve lived here almost 9 years, paid my rent on time and in full every month, I’ve looked after the house, improved the garden, and alerted them immediately to any issues. It’s an old terrace built cheaply 1913, it has a lot of issues. And the landlord has agreed to all the smaller issues but put off the big stuff. Like the leaking roof and the damp. About 3 weeks ago, the lettings agent said that the agreed that he’d have the big work done but my rent would go up £100/month. I agreed. I could just afford that if I cut back on everything, including my once a year holiday – FantasyCon weekend. Then this…
Tomorrow the Renters Rights Act comes into force. Today was the last day he could issue a Section 21 notice and have it be valid. From tomorrow, section 21 evictions are scrapped, and the house has to be kept up to a certain condition.
My conclusion is that he’s seen the estimates to do the work to get the house up to standard, realised he would need to find a good reason to get evict after tomorrow, and decided to drop this on me when I have limited recourse.
I can’t afford to move. Even a reasonably cheap place would still need about £1300 for deposit and 1st month’s rent. And then there’s moving costs, probably £600 – £700 for removals and a house clearance once I’ve moved the stuff I’m keeping. Plus, I need a new bed, because it’s falling apart and new living room furniture, so add another £700 on to that. Anyone got a spare £2500 lying about they can lend me? Or donate?
I am disabled, most of my family are disabled or elderly. I have a lot of books. It took me a year to physically recover from moving in 2017, and two years to recover mentally. I’ve only really been stable for the last year or two. I’m starting to unravel a bit.
I’ve contacted the local council homelessness prevention team, checked the social housing website and contacted my social prescriber key worker. My sister has been for a visit. She found a contact for someone who does house clearances which she’ll phone next week and we cleared a kitchen cupboard that I can’t get to.
Doing practical things has helped but I’m still not coping well. My brain is not happy. All I can think about is how an I going to afford the deposit? How am I going to move all my books? Phoenix won’t like being moved; I’ll need to get her a crate for the move.
Any helpful suggestions or donations welcome. Thanks.
Everything Is Better With Dragons 