75-Year-Old Midlands Woman Left Homeless After No-Fault Eviction
A 75-year-old woman has been forced into homelessness following a no-fault eviction from her Midlands home where she had lived for over twelve years. Sue Locking received a Section 21 eviction notice from her property in Mapperley, Nottingham, just months before such notices are set to be banned under the upcoming Renters' Rights Bill.
From Forever Home to Sofa Surfing
Sue Locking had resided in her Nottingham home for twelve and a half years, investing thousands of pounds to make it her ideal residence. She claims that after a routine property inspection on January 15, she was informed by managing agent Frank Innes that she was being issued with a Section 21 no-fault eviction notice.
"I've been here 12 and a half years now, I have never been in arrears, I have only ever spent my own money," Sue told reporters. "Then I got a phone call one morning saying that I have to get out."
Following the eviction, Sue is now sofa surfing between relatives while seeking homelessness assistance from Gedling Borough Council. She expressed her distress as she watched her belongings being removed from the property she called home for more than a decade.
Timing Coincides With Legislative Changes
The eviction notice comes just months before significant changes to tenant rights legislation. From May 1, 2026, private tenants will no longer be subject to no-fault evictions under the Renters' Rights Bill, which effectively bans the circumstances Sue finds herself in.
Sue believes landlords are preemptively evicting tenants before the new regulations take effect. "I think landlords don't want the responsibility of all the different regulations coming in, so they are getting people like me out," she said.
The 75-year-old has sought assistance from her local MP after receiving the notice so close to the implementation of the Renters' Rights Bill.
Conflicting Communications and Council Response
While still processing the shock of being asked to vacate her home, Sue claims she was contacted by the management company who informed her that a professional sales photographer would be visiting to take photos before the property was listed for sale.
"One minute I have a phone call saying I have two minutes to leave, and then I get a phone call from their sales department saying they are sending a professional photographer round," Sue explained. "Then we want your co-operation with viewings."
Sue added that she would have been willing to pay more rent if asked, stating: "If they asked me to pay more rent, I would have. It's just unfair, they don't take into consideration what they are doing."
Regarding her housing situation, Sue revealed: "The council said to me that unless I've been homeless for 56 days, then I'm not a priority."
Management Response and Ongoing Uncertainty
A representative for Frank Innes stated: "As the managing agent, we act on behalf of the landlord. However, we're committed to supporting all our customers and have offered to assist the tenant with finding a suitable new rental property."
In response to a request for comment, a spokesperson for Gedling Borough Council stated that they do not comment on specific individuals' housing situations.
Sue disclosed that she hasn't yet secured permanent residence and is temporarily staying with family members while she determines her next move. She expressed fear about renting privately again, saying: "I can't rent private again because I'm afraid of this happening again. I've never been in this situation in my life before."
The 75-year-old summarized her current predicament: "My little dog and I and my suitcase have left without anywhere to go."
