Coventry Residents Decry Fee Hike as “Dickensian Times” Return!

Coventry residents face service fee increases. The rise is about £1,000 for social housing flats, and a new tenancy agreement has also caused worry. Some residents call it a “return to Dickensian times.”

Citizen, the landlord, defends the costs, saying the increase reflects the cost of service delivery. Bills for Nauls Mill House could rise 160%, which amounts to about £22.05 weekly, starting in April.

Around 50 residents object to the increase. They live in the 130-flat Radford block and think the hike is unreasonable, especially amid the current cost of living crisis. They worry about how they will afford the increase.

The high-rise houses vulnerable people, including single mothers and foreign residents. Some residents do not speak English well and fear losing their homes if they cannot pay.

Citizen expects housing benefits to cover the rise, theoretically meaning no extra costs for residents. However, it remains unclear how many residents currently receive this type of assistance.

The new agreement raises concerns because rent can increase to tribunal-approved levels, but residents cannot appeal the increase to a tribunal. The Housing Act 1988, sections 13 and 14, does not apply in this case.

Tenants must keep the contract secret and cannot share it without written permission. Breaching these conditions could mean eviction, leading some residents to fear losing their homes for speaking out.

Cllr Jackie Gardiner supports the residents, calling the 160% rise horrendous. She also criticized the lack of appeal rights and noted the risk of eviction for speaking out against the changes implemented.

Citizen’s Madeleine Nelson says the increased fees are necessary to cover costs and to ensure fair application of fees. She also stated some residents have been paying less than they should and that support is available to those with problems.

Ms. Nelson added that the new contract replaces old ones. Fixed service charges will remain unchanged, and tenants with fixed charges will keep their existing rights. Ms. Nelson also explained confidentiality clauses are in place to protect all parties, especially data, ensuring the tenant’s personal data is safe.