Berthia and Romuald Williams say they have never missed rent and kept their Hampstead home clean since they moved in in 2018.
The couple were allegedly first sent a Section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction order in June 2023, but say they only became aware of it when a possession order arrived in December that year.
They have mounted a legal challenge with the help of their daughter Lissa but must leave their home, in Magdalen Mews off Finchley Road, this Friday (March 14).
The couple have appealed to Camden Council – and say they have money and had even found a potential new home – but say their letting agency, Cedars Estate West Hampstead, is making the task harder because it will not give them a reference.
Care worker Berthia, 73, said: “We are packing but we don’t know where we are going to. The estate agent won’t give us a reference so we are still in a grave situation. Where do we go from there? It’s heartbreaking and distressing.”
Retired bus driver Romuald, 85, is in poor health after heart operations. Berthia said the stress caused him to black out on March 3, requiring two nights in hospital.
Romauld added: “I don’t feel too happy about what’s happening. At my age and condition, I don’t take it lightly. It’s a bad time to be homeless.
“I spend many sleepless nights and during the day I try and be active.”
Romauld said: “The system has changed so much. Years ago you didn’t have to go through these things, provide references. We pay our rent every month, we don’t give problems, we don’t have time for that.”
The couple were offered a temporary caravan in Kent by one Ham&High reader but could not accept it due to Romauld’s health and Berthia’s job.
Daughter Lissa, who found their current home, said her parents have faced ageism and racism from estate agents in their search for new accomodation.
Lissa added: “We’ve been trying to facilitate the council, not be a burden, tried to find a flat ourselves, tried to get some advice on mediating to just get a reference so my parents can use it to get another home but they don’t want to do that or they can’t do that until literally the bailiffs come. It’s why I’m frustrated.
“My dad was in hospital again, he doesn’t want to go and stay in a hostel or shared place, he wants to know – it’s partly why he’s stressed – that they’ve got a home. They know they can afford to rent, they just need help because they can’t get a reference.”
A Camden council spokesperson said: “Everyone deserves a safe place to call home. The national housing crisis means there is a severe lack of affordable homes across London, and with over a third of our households privately renting in Camden, this is an experience that is sadly occurring far too often.
“We are working hard to support the Williams family at this difficult time. We will help them to find a suitable new home and we will provide them with temporary accommodation if it is required.
“The forthcoming Renters Rights Bill will abolish the Section 21 ‘no fault; evictions and we welcome this development.”
Cedar Estates said it could not discuss individual cases.
