Following the evacuation of several tenants from their property, Solidarjetà is calling on the landlords responsible to immediately provide and pay for suitable alternative accommodation for all displaced tenants.
Solidarjetà is concerned with reports that residents were only given 20 minutes to pack their things and were provided no alternative housing. The BCA made it clear that the evacuation was the direct result of landlord negligence occurring from a lack of maintenance.
The BCA also said that "It was also the responsibility of the property owners to take the necessary measures regarding existing rental arrangements and to make alternative accommodation arrangements for tenants, where required."
Despite this clear responsibility, it was the tenants that had to bear the consequences last night with the organisation receiving reports that some of the tenants were left unhoused.
Solidarjetà therefore calls for the landlords to immediately secure and fully cover the cost of suitable alternative accommodation for all displaced tenants. Landlords must also return any rent paid in advance for periods which the tenants are unable to occupy their homes.
Tenants should not be made to pay for landlords’ negligence. Those who have been affected are encouraged to contact Solidarjetà so that the union can assist in protecting their rights and ensure that they receive the support and compensation to which they are entitled.