A Bristol family says they are facing homelessness after a housing association denied their request to take over the tenancy of a property following the death of Mario di Blasi's parents. Mario and Leonio di Blasi moved into his mother's home in the Wedmore Vale area in 2022 to care for her after his father's death.
Weeks after his mother's death in March 2025, the couple were informed the tenancy could not be passed to them. Brighter Places housing association stated that their policy dictates there is no legal right for people to stay if the deceased was already a successor to the tenancy.
While Brighter Places has a discretionary succession process, the di Blasi family stated they were told their needs did not meet the criteria. Mario di Blasi, whose parents had lived at the property since 2005, reported being signed off from his job due to stress over their housing situation.
The family of four has started a legal challenge against their eviction, with their next court date scheduled for 18 August. A spokesperson for Brighter Places confirmed their decision has remained unchanged following multiple reviews, citing legal and regulatory responsibilities.