A community petition demanding the reversal of a no-fault eviction served to a family in Ripon has gathered over 33,000 signatures as the July 1 deadline approaches.
Linsey Reeves, her husband, and their four children face homelessness after receiving a Section 21 notice from the Holy Trinity Properties Trust.
The notice came just two days before the government outlawed the practice under the new Renters' Rights Act on May 1.
The family has occupied the three-bedroom apartment for four years. They have been unable to find any affordable alternative housing within the area since receiving the notice.
Community Campaign
Former Ripon mayor and retired Methodist minister John Richmond launched the campaign. He aims to persuade the property trust and its managing letting agent to reverse the decision.
“They've done nothing wrong. It's more than unfair, it's wrong,” said Richmond.
He expressed hope that the widespread community mobilization would eventually force the landlords to reconsider their legal positioning.
“To have a change of heart,” said Richmond.
Reeves stated that the sudden eviction notice has completely disrupted her family's stability. It has left them uncertain about their immediate future.
“It's heartbreaking.
Your home is your safe space, and when that's taken away from you, you don't know what direction to go,” said Reeves.
The mother of four explained that the looming deadline has left them completely paralyzed regarding whether they should begin packing their belongings.
“We're not sure if we should be packing up boxes now - but we have nowhere to go,” said Reeves.
The family remains stuck in limbo without proper accommodation options as their tenancy period formally concludes at the start of next month.
“We're just stuck at the moment and in limbo,” said Reeves.
Reeves noted that the overwhelming support from the local community has provided some comfort during the stressful transition period.
“Incredible and really overwhelming,” said Reeves.
The family expressed deep appreciation for the thousands of anonymous individuals who signed the petition.
“We can't thank people enough, we're truly grateful from the bottom of our hearts,” said Reeves.
The public support has served as a critical emotional anchor for the entire household during the public dispute.
“It really does mean the world to us,” said Reeves.
Profits from the independent Holy Trinity Properties Trust support the Holy Trinity Church in Ripon, which operates under the Church of England's Diocese of Leeds.
Trust chair Robert Thew stated that the organization did not make the decision in isolation. It relied heavily on third-party professional recommendations.
“Decisions about individual tenancies are taken by the Holy Trinity Properties Trust acting on the advice of our letting agents Linley and Simpson,” said Thew.
The managing letting agency, Linley and Simpson, declined to discuss the specifics of the Reeves family tenancy when prompted for details.
“As the managing letting agent, our role is to act on behalf of our landlord clients and, upon instruction, ensure legal notices are served in line with the relevant requirements,” said Linley and Simpson.
The Diocese of Leeds clarified that the property trust operates as an independent entity. It is not directly managed by church officers.
