Residents of St James’ Estate in Bermondsey will hold a community street party and march tomorrow as more than 150 people face losing their homes.
The residents claim corporate landlord BMR Group and property agent Freshview are using steep rent increases to price long-term tenants out before converting family homes into houses in multiple occupation (HMOs).
Rents on the estate have increased by up to 40%, according to residents, while some households have been asked to pay an additional £900 a month and are challenging the increases through the rent tribunal system.
St James’ Estate resident Abigail Bunyan said: “These houses are not an investment, they are homes that people have raised kids in, raised grandkids in.
“The people of this community being treated like this is beyond detestable.
“This whole area is often described as a forgotten area within Southwark, and it’s the long-term residents of this estate who should have a say in what happens here.”
Campaigners say residents have already been evicted, and most of the eviction notices were served shortly before 1 May, when Section 21 no-fault evictions were abolished under the Renters’ Rights Act.
Campaigners say that although the legislation bans Section 21 evictions, tenants can still be forced to leave when they cannot afford large rent increases.
Many residents have lived on St James’ Estate for more than 25 years, raising families and building relationships within the community.
Some tenants say they were originally placed on the estate by Southwark Council and believed they would have long-term security despite renting privately.
South Bermondsey councillor Andy Bates said: “People on St James’ Estate thought they had some security of tenure and that any rent increases were going to be reasonable.
“Instead, they’re facing this hideous business model of displacing existing residents and using their homes for HMOs.”
The dispute comes amid wider concerns over housing affordability in London.
Office for National Statistics data for 2023/24 show that private renters in Southwark spend around 45% of their median household income on rent, giving the borough the 11th highest rent-to-income ratio in London.
The street party and march will call on Southwark Council to intervene and prevent further displacement from the estate.
The event will also include a fundraiser featuring food and drinks, DJs from the Black Obsidian Sound System, a raffle, a bouncy castle and arts and crafts for children.
Attempts were made to contact BMR Group.
Southwark Council and Freshview have been approached for comment.
Featured image credit: Stephen Richards
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