Bermondsey residents face eviction after landlord buys estate

More than 150 residents on Bermondsey's St James Estate face losing their homes after receiving Section 21 eviction notices and rent increases of up to £524 per month. The notices were reportedly issued by the new landlord, BMR Group, one day before the Renters' Rights Act abolished the use of 'no-fault' evictions.

The estate, built in the 1990s for secure and affordable private rentals, was recently sold by Folio London to BMR Group. Residents expressed fears that their family homes could be converted into Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs), a move they believe would generate significantly higher profits for the new owner. Southwark Council has received several property licensing applications for the estate.

Tenants' Plea to Council

Asha Garway, secretary of the St James' Tenants Association, presented a deputation to Southwark Council on Wednesday evening, September 23. She told councillors that residents face losing 'everything that we have worked for' and are still receiving court letters seeking possession of their homes, despite advice that the Section 21 notices may be illegally invalid. Ms Garway requested that the council fund their legal costs, provide housing security for all residents, and involve tenants in all licensed decisions for the estate.

Residents also urged the council to remove Freshview, the managing agents, and BMR Group from operating within the borough, stating they are not appropriate housing providers. Ms Garway asked the council, 'What are you going to do to help us because now we have received court letters, we don't have the legal money and finance to support [ourselves]?'. The managing agent's spokesperson previously stated there were no plans to convert the entire estate into HMOs but acknowledged a review found many homes were rented below market rates.

Council Response

Councillor Reginald Popoola, Southwark Council's Executive Member for Council Homes, described the eviction notices issued just before the Renters' Rights Act as 'morally unconscionable' and driven by profit. He stated that council officers have been working 'around the clock' to assist residents and that the council is 'appalled' by the situation. The council is working with local partners, including Southwark Law Centre, to ensure affected tenants can access advice and support.

Cllr Popoola added that the council will 'continue to stand by you' and is exploring 'various alternative means to try to assist residents'. He also offered to meet directly with the Tenants and Residents Association to discuss further actions. Southwark Council does not have the power to prevent a property becoming an HMO if it complies with planning requirements, but any licence applications would be assessed against relevant policies and regulations.

Residents questioned the legality and fairness of rent increases of £524 per month, asking how such hikes could be stopped in the future. The council leader, James McAsh, had previously sent an open letter to BMR Group and Freshview urging them to withdraw eviction proceedings and offer realistic rental terms.