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.
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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.
