My landlord has just increased my rent by £700 per month
2 years ago | 52 comments
Homes for Reading closure forces tenants to find new homes
12:01 AM, 22nd August 2024, 2 years ago
33
Reading Borough Council has announced the closure of its wholly owned housing company, Homes for Reading, and tenants must leave when their tenancy ends.
The council will transfer the 101 homes to its housing stock and will be rented out as much-needed key worker homes at affordable rents.
Homes for Reading was established in 2016 to purchase properties and rent them at market rates to private tenants.
However, it has faced increasing financial challenges due to changes in local authority lending regulations, fluctuations in the housing market, rising interest rates and other external factors.
Some of the tenancies will end in 2026.
94 families are in the properties
The lead councillor for housing, Councillor Matt Yeo, said: “I recognise the impact this decision will have on the 94 families who are still in these properties, and I am sorry for the disruption and inconvenience it may cause them.
“Officers from the council will be working actively with every one of our tenants between now and 2026 to help them find alternative suitable housing.”
He added: “We are committed to ensuring that they can all make the transition to other suitable homes with our support.”
Difficult financial circumstances
Mr Yeo continued: “Ultimately, the difficult financial circumstances all councils now find themselves in mean we have a responsibility to look after our finances to support the provision of services that residents rely on.
“We must prioritise the interests of all residents and communities we serve, who depend on the Council remaining financially viable.”
NCH Enterprises was forced to evict tenants
The move by Reading Borough Council mirrors a similar situation in Nottingham, where the council-owned NCH Enterprises was forced to evict tenants to sell properties and repay a significant debt – to Nottingham City Council.
In response to tenant concerns, Reading Council says it has carried out a consultation process, including meetings with senior staff and external expert analysis.
Now more than 400 people will have to move home – despite a petition with 1,125 names urging the council to keep the tenants in their homes.
Tags:
affordable housing, council, Homes for Reading, Housing, key worker homes, Reading, relocation, tenants
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Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 508
7:23 PM, 22nd August 2024, About 2 years ago
Monty Python could make fun of this?
Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190
7:34 PM, 22nd August 2024, About 2 years ago
They’re for the key workers …… all those doctors and nurses arriving via dinghy.
Member Since May 2021 - Comments: 392
10:54 PM, 22nd August 2024, About 2 years ago
I’m gonna get my name down for one of these ..I’m a locksmith.
Member Since February 2016 - Comments: 1056
11:05 PM, 22nd August 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by PH at 22/08/2024 – 22:54
Ha ha! No question, you are definitely a key worker.
Member Since August 2024 - Comments: 3
12:21 AM, 23rd August 2024, About 2 years ago
We are one of the 94 families who have been told we must vacate the property next month when our tenancy ends. We are currently paying £1400 for our 3 bedroom house in Tilehurst. The cheapest i have is £1850 so i now will have to cough up another £450 minimum. I think we will sit tight for the bailiffs and then make our way to the council to rehouse us. Totally absurd.
Member Since August 2021 - Comments: 39
6:11 AM, 23rd August 2024, About 2 years ago
I am a bit confused by the comments on here, in what century has anyone heard of a British council ever obeying the law ???
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1642 - Articles: 3
9:22 AM, 23rd August 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Z S at 23/08/2024 – 00:21
So sorry for your situation. It doesn’t make any sense.
It appears the council doesn’t own your tenancy, so your landlord will be subject to the same laws as other private landlords.
Have they issued a S21 to everyone?
Member Since June 2015 - Comments: 194
10:50 AM, 23rd August 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by Z S at 23/08/2024 – 00:21Sorry to hear of your situation.
It is bound to be stressful but it would be interesting to hear how you get on.
Make sure you talk to Shelter to get the best advice about remaining in your home.
Maybe even go to the council and tell them that you are being made homeless and see what they say!
If you could share your experience on a regular basis I am sure everyone on Property118 would be interested to know how you get on.
Member Since June 2014 - Comments: 1564
11:17 AM, 23rd August 2024, About 2 years ago
“Section 21 – the so called “no fault” eviction – will not be available once the government passes the legislation – surely before 2026.”
I wouldn’t bet on it.
But anyway, 2026 is when the last of the tenancies run out, maybe they are using Section 21 while they still can? Without having last resort S21 to fall back on, being a landlord will be very high risk.
Member Since August 2024 - Comments: 3
11:45 AM, 23rd August 2024, About 2 years ago
Reply to the comment left by NewYorkie at 23/08/2024 – 09:22
Thamk you for your message, they have not issued a s21 yet, but we have children so i will hope the council will cooperate and be helpful. Not holding my breath.