Swift action by officials from the City Council prevented a family from being thrown out onto the streets. The family found themselves in trouble through no fault of their own when the home they were renting was about to be repossessed by their landlords mortgage lender.
The Protection of Tenants Act 2010 came into force earlier this year and this is believed to be the first use of the new legislation
The aim of the Act is to provide protection to unauthorised tenants where a tenancy has been granted by a borrower, but without the lender’s consent. In some instances, if a borrower landlord had defaulted on a loan and a lender repossesses the property, the first the unauthorised tenant becomes aware of the possession proceedings is when a court bailiff turns up at their home to enforce the warrant for possession giving the unauthorised tenant very little time to find a new home.
Now the City Council are using the time to help the family find alternative private rented accommodation.
The move has also saved a huge bill. The city council would have had a legal responsibility to put the family into emergency bed and breakfast accommodation costing up to £250 per week and would also have had to foot a bill of around £1,000 for removal and storage of their possessions.
Councillor Andrew Gravells, deputy leader of the council with responsibility for housing and health, said that the problem was caused through no fault of their own – but they would have been the ones to suffer. He was pleased that staff were so quick off the mark helping to protect these residents.
“ I hope now that they are able to enjoy their Christmas and new year in a new home.
