A family in Ripon is appealing for a reversal of their no-fault eviction notice, served just two days before a new government ban on such practices came into effect. Lindsey Reeves, a mother of four, and her husband were instructed to vacate their three-bedroom flat by 1 July 2026, but report they currently have “nowhere to go”. The Section 21 notice, which does not require a landlord to provide a reason for eviction, was issued by the Holy Trinity Properties Trust. This type of eviction was outlawed under the new Renters' Rights Act, which became effective on 1 May 2026.
The family has resided in the Ripon apartment for four years, with their children aged between two and 14. Ms Reeves expressed the profound distress and instability the eviction has caused, stating, "It's heartbreaking. Your home is your safe space, and when that's taken away from you, you don't know what direction to go in." She added that despite actively searching for alternative accommodation, suitable and affordable options have been elusive, leaving them in a state of limbo as the end of their notice period approaches.
In response to the family's plight, a petition initiated by John Richmond, the former mayor of Ripon and a retired Methodist minister, has gathered significant public support, exceeding 33,000 signatures. The petition urges the Holy Trinity Properties Trust to reconsider its decision. Mr Richmond emphasised that the family has done "nothing wrong," describing the situation as "more than unfair, it's wrong." Ms Reeves described the community's support as "incredible and really overwhelming," expressing deep gratitude for the solidarity.
The Holy Trinity Properties Trust, whose profits support the work of Holy Trinity Church in Ripon, previously stated that decisions regarding individual tenancies are made on the advice of their letting agents, Linley and Simpson. The Diocese of Leeds, under which Holy Trinity Church falls, has clarified that the trust operates as an independent organisation, not directly managed by church officers. Linley and Simpson, the letting agents, previously stated their role is to act on behalf of their landlord clients and ensure legal notices are served in accordance with requirements, declining to comment on individual tenancies.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by renters in the UK, even with the introduction of new legislation aimed at enhancing tenant protections. While the Renters' Rights Act seeks to end no-fault evictions, families like the Reeves are still navigating the transition period and the complexities of housing availability and affordability. The situation in Ripon underscores the critical need for accessible and suitable housing options, particularly for families with children, as they face the uncertainty of their living situations.