30th
May 2024
Lambeth council made news this week as the first authority to charge a few pounds short of £1000 for its new Selective Licensing scheme in four wards but is now facing accusations of forcing out over 100 private tenants from their homes.
The council’s report says the cost for a five year licence is £943 per property and besides the four wards now under its jurisdiction will be rolled out to 19 other wards, as it plays a major role in its policy that makes Lambeth “a place we can all call home.”
However Lambeth council is facing accusations of kicking out over 100 private tenants to find new homes because they moved onto estates which the authority wants to regenerate with the possibility of some homes being demolished.
The BBC has uncovered that the ‘homes’ were originally council properties which became ‘owned’ under the Right To Buy scheme with the authority re-purchasing the properties which were then advertised by letting agents and let out on its behalf.
In its report the BBC states that some tenants signed tenancy contracts without being told their ‘real’ landlord was the council as the successful subterfuge was achieved because the agreements provided by the agents listed the landlord as ‘HfL’ - Homes for Lambeth, a management company set up by the council which deliberately disguised its ownership.
Now the council wants to either redevelop or demolish parts of the housing estates on which the properties are located and are telling the private tenants they must move out.
The BBC quotes a council spokesperson telling the reporting team: "The council is seeking to use all the properties it can to support those families most affected by the housing crisis. The properties in question are former Right To Buy homes that the council has bought back, and we are planning to use them to provide vital housing for homeless families in our borough.
"These properties were let to private tenants on a fixed-term basis, as Assured Shorthold Tenancies, and this was only ever intended to be a short-term measure.
"The tenants have been advised that when their current fixed-term tenancies come to an end they will not be renewed.
"The agencies managing the tenancies on behalf of Homes for Lambeth have contacted tenants to let them know that their tenancy will not be renewed and, where suitable, to offer support to help them find alternative accommodation."
The report also featured a case study of one tenant, Mylene Lejuste and her husband. In January 2022 they signed a two year lease and were contacted by the agents in November last year to grant a renewal.
However just a few months later it was revealed to them that their landlord was in fact the council which "will now need possession of the property".
The couple has a six year old who goes to a local school and the family feel at home in the local community.
Mylene Lejuste told the BBC: "When we viewed the property and they asked us how long we wanted to rent the place for, we said three years plus. Since day one we have told them this is our home. We are looking for a long term house. I felt abused and fooled. They knew from day one. I feel they haven't been transparent."
Richard Merrick of PIMS,said “ The council kept HFL at arms - length to hide its ownership and part of its comments about the one hundred plus tenants being made homeless….. ‘ where suitable, to offer support to help them find alternative accommodation’ sums up its complete disdain to those households,” what does ‘where suitable’ mean is there a set of criteria hidden somewhere ?”
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