Council willingly breaking law?

Council willingly breaking law?

10:07 AM, 10th May 2023, About 12 months ago 14

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Hello, upon visiting my local council in London to discuss the lawful eviction of a tenant due to selling up because of eye-watering landlord costs (now £3500 p/m), I have been informed that the council has instructed the tenant to remain until bailiffs arrive.

Upon challenging this and referring to the Homelessness Reduction Act as the tenant meets all the requirements to receive duty prevention, the council housing officer corroborated and replied “Yes we are breaking the law but we can”.
My question is, how can councils willingly state they can break statutory requirements and moreover, why is the local MP turning a blind eye when she has been fully informed of this? Corruption is at the heart of local authorities and parliamentary figures in attacking landlords. When will this stop!!

Thanks,

Mel

Editors Note: You can check out our article on councils acting illegally when telling tenants to stay put here


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Comments

GLee

19:58 PM, 11th May 2023, About 12 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Martin Roberts at 10/05/2023 - 17:10
Yes, but the LL is very unlikely to recover these costs and they are insignificant compared with 6 weeks lost rent.

GlanACC

8:54 AM, 13th May 2023, About 12 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 10/05/2023 - 17:11A very measured answer, but writing to the court will have no effect as there is nothing they can do. You would need to take a legal case agianst the council first and thats not cheap.
By all means make a formal complaint to the council, but I don't think there is any time scale in which they have to respond.
I think getting the press involved might be a GOOD idea as if they can corner a few councillors and get a response that might help.
However, in the end it will all drag out. The only real solution is a reform of the courts system BEFORE S21 is dumped and I can't see that happening.
Although it hasn't happended to me, I know of a landlord who bought one of my houses and is trying to get the tenant out. The latest advice is the 'I have mental health problems' excuse to stay in the property (when the tenant turns up at the court a solicitor or similar will offer to act for the tenant, and this is one of the questions they will ask).
Don't delay, sell today

Robert M

15:10 PM, 15th May 2023, About 12 months ago

This is why I now use a bodycam for all inspections with tenants and the council. Taken to using it at the tip as they challenge me turning up with anything. They told me I could not film them, but pointed out they were filming me.

TheMaluka

15:24 PM, 15th May 2023, About 12 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Robert at 15/05/2023 - 15:10
I too use a bodycam and since the council do not allow me to film on their property I do not allow them to film on mine.

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