Woman with heart condition, 72, hit with revenge eviction after asking landlord for simple repairs

Deborah received a section 21 eviction notice, also known as a no-fault eviction, after she complained about problems with her home and her landlord doubled her rent – it’s a nightmare that left her with sleepless nights and she’s far from alone.

The 72-year-old from Sheffield, who opted not to give her surname, said she has been unable to retire due to the financial pressures of the housing crisis following her revenge eviction. The situation has left her and her partner with declining mental and physical health and struggling to get by.

“We had been living in our home for several years and then, out of the blue, our landlord told us they would be increasing my rent by 100%. When I tried to negotiate and mentioned the repairs that needed doing, I was served with a section 21,” said Deborah.

“I felt under constant pressure, all day, every day. Every time I opened my email, there were new property listings that were unaffordable, or emails about our old one. My partner Malcolm and I both had sleepless nights, and my heart condition worsened – causing extreme tiredness and high blood pressure. We weren’t functioning properly; we were just addled by the stress and lack of sleep. I started making mistakes at work, and at one point, I felt like the stress was rendering me unable to do my job.” 

Deborah’s experience is not uncommon during the long-running housing crisis in England. Labour’s bid to give renters more security in their homes by banning section 21 evictions through the Renters’ Rights Bill is due to appear in parliament on Tuesday (14 January).

A total of 57% of people experiencing housing pressures in England have been kept awake at night over the past year due to worries including high rents, poor conditions and the risk of eviction, according to new research from Shelter. 

The poll, carried out by YouGov for Shelter and HSBC UK, shows the equivalent of approximately 11 million people across the country have been left tossing and turning due to their housing situation. 

The survey showed over half of those quizzed paying housing costs in England are starting the new year worried about housing or financial pressures. 

More than 67% of people with housing costs in England have reported housing pressures over the last year – equivalent to nearly 20 million people across England. 

The research found that of those paying housing costs a fifth of those were struggling to keep up with mortgages or rent payments while one in 10 were worried about being evicted from their home.

A further 37% have cut back on essentials to keep up with their housing costs.

The situation has had a devastating effect on mental health and wellbeing across the country, the housing charity said.

Over two-thirds (71%) of people with housing costs reporting a housing issue say they feel anxious, and just less than half (49%) say they feel hopeless due to their housing situation.  

“Up and down the country, the housing emergency is raging and as we enter a new year, millions of people are feeling the devastating impact of a lack of genuinely affordable social homes and record high private rents,” said Nadeem Khan, Shelter’s emergency helpline manager.

“Every day, across our frontline teams, we see and hear about the crippling financial pressures and heartbreaking situations people are facing. Parents tell us how they are spending sleepless nights anxious about losing their home and having to move away from their work, communities and children’s schools. 

“At Shelter, we know how vital it is that people seek help for their housing issues as soon as possible. It’s only through the help of our partnerships like HSBC UK, that we are able to continue to do all we can for those at crisis point, and help people find and keep hold of a safe home.” 

HSBC UK launched its No Fixed Address bank account service to help people experiencing homelessness to create bank accounts.

The high-street bank also joined forces with Shelter in urging anyone who is struggling with their housing costs to contact the housing charity or HSBC UK for free advice on housing and financial health.

Maxine Pritchard, HSBC UK’s head of vulnerable customer standards, said: “If you’re feeling worried about your finances or housing situation this new year, you’re not alone – and getting advice and support early can make all the difference.   

“Home is everything, and together with Shelter we’re working to help more people and communities build financial resilience and access meaningful support before they reach a crisis point. The important thing is that people feel able to access information and support in a way that works best for them. We will not judge, and we’re ready to help.” 

Labour has pledged to tackle the housing crisis by delivering 1.5 million homes while in power and has promised planning reforms to hit that target.

The government’s Renters’ Rights Bill, which is set to scrap section 21 evictions like the one Debroah received, is set to appear in parliament for its report stage and third reading on Tuesday (14 January).

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