TWO tenants in Petersfield were threatened with homelessness because their landlords' mortgages were in arrears, according to the town's Citizens Advice Bureau.
Petersfield's CAB reported two separate cases in the past year where residents renting from private landlords faced eviction, without warning, after their landlords' property was repossessed for not paying the mortgage.
Both situations arose becau
se tenants automatically lose their rights to receive two-months notice if a mortgage lender refuses a landlord permission to continue renting out a property.
Petersfield CAB's Amanda Whiteland-Smith said: "Petersfield CAB recently advised a client who was first informed about her rented accommodation being repossessed by a letter from the receivers themselves.
"The letter stated her landlord had gone bankrupt and not paid the mortgage, and that the property was going to be repossessed without a court order.
"This client's contract was due to run for another three months. She was very stressed about her housing status and afraid about whether she could find another place to live."
She added: "Another client who had been renting the same property for three years was only informed after the lenders had already gone to court over the landlord's mortgage arrears. This left the client severely concerned about her future housing security. This client was fortunate enough to have the possession order suspended."
A new private member's bill going through parliament – known as the Mortgage Repossessions Bill – is attempting to change matters.
If voted through, the bill will protect tenants by giving the courts the discretion to postpone the date of possession by up to two months whenever a tenant is in occupation, so they can find alternative accommodation and avoid homelessness.
Petersfield CAB has hailed the bill as vital and has asked East Hampshire MP Michael Mates to take up the case in Westminster.
Amanda said: "The urgent need for this legislation is demonstrated by the growing number of bureaux reporting cases of tenants facing the trauma and costs of being evicted at short notice because of landlord mortgage arrears.
"It is crucial that tenants have this time to find alternative housing, and do not suffer undue stress and fear of homelessness through action that was no fault of their own. It is vital we have enough evidence to ensure the support of this bill by MPs both locally and nationally."
The CAB is keen to hear from any tenant who has suffered problems with housing, homelessness or who need to find out what they may be entitled to.
Contact the bureau on 01730 710281 for free confidential information and advice.
