Barry is a Londoner, through and through. He grew up around the city, worked in the arts and enjoyed life in his Camden home. But everything changed overnight when he was served a Section 21 ‘no-fault’ eviction notice. We stepped in and gave Barry a place to live before he spent a night on the streets. Now, he’s making the most of our opportunities and hopes to work in the creative industries again.
“I had lived in Kentish Town for 10 years when developers came in and bought the place from the owners. They refurbished the flat and upped the rent so much I couldn’t afford it. I got a letter under my door saying I was being evicted.
“The next 12 months were a horrible back-and-forth process with my landlord until it went to court and then to the bailiffs. It was incredibly stressful. I had a lot of anxiety. I used to wake up at night thinking the bailiffs were banging on my door, trying to get in.
“Leaving my home was incredibly sad because I didn’t just lose my house—I lost the community I’d built, the friends, the support network. That can’t be replaced.”
Navigating the system
Barry went to the council for help while his eviction went through the courts. But instead of supporting him, they made the situation more stressful.
“My landlord was telling me to leave by the eviction date, but the council told me not to go, as I would be seen as voluntarily homeless. They told me to wait until the bailiffs came; otherwise, I might not get any support.”
When the bailiff’s date arrived, Barry was offered support from the council. Hotels were the first option, but as a diabetic, he needed a fridge for his medication, so they weren’t suitable. He was then offered housing at one of our hostels near King’s Cross, which he accepted.
The fact that hotels were the first solution for Barry highlights the housing pressures that London councils face. There aren’t enough affordable homes in London, so councils are forced to place people in temporary accommodation—expensive for the council and traumatic for the person. The hostel Barry is staying in is primarily for Londoners who have experienced rough sleeping with ongoing mental health or substance misuse problems. Barry has neither of these, but it was the only option, or he would have had to sleep on the streets.
“I was super grateful to Single Homeless Project for taking me in, even though I didn’t meet the criteria. They gave me a key to somewhere safe and warm, with everything I needed.
I was a bit scared at first, as I didn’t know what to expect and felt embarrassed to be living in a homeless hostel. You think, ‘Oh God, I’m having to do this.’ But all I got from the staff was love and support. There has never been any judgment from them.
“If I had any problems, the staff listened and immediately nipped them in the bud—it was fantastic. Anytime I have a problem, they handle it right away. It made the move so much easier.”
Turning his life around
As Barry adjusted to life in the hostel, he became involved in our Achieving Potential programme, which opened more opportunities than he could have imagined.
“I’ve done more in the last 12 months than the last 10 years. After my doctor signed me off work because of my health, I felt like I was treading water. But since I moved into the hostel, the change has been unbelievable.
“I’ve gone to loads of exhibitions and workshops and met so many people. I’ve painted, been to photography exhibitions, and even performed in a play with Cardboard Citizens. I’m hoping to get a paid apprenticeship with them.
“I’m doing all of this to build a career. I want to work and have my own flat again. I’m not expecting to be on TV, but as long as I’m in the creative industry, surrounded by artistic people and using my imagination, I’ll be happy.”
Ending Section 21 eviction
Barry’s resilience and determination have helped him turn his devastating situation around and make the most of the opportunities he’s been given. But not everyone is as fortunate as Barry. For the 500 renters who face a no-fault eviction every day, many don’t get the support they need, struggle to recover, and some people end up on the streets. Barry’s story shows the importance of getting to people before they rough sleep.
Thankfully, Labour’s Renters’ Rights Bill is set to end Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and balance the power of renters and landlords. We asked Barry what he thinks of the proposed laws.
“All the changes in the Bill are brilliant. It’s just a shame it’s taken so long to happen. So many people have had to go through what I did. It’s not fair.
“Being evicted puts you in a scary and lonely situation. No one should have to go through that. We need these new laws to make sure no one else suffers.”
Barry is back on the right track. He’s got a roof over his head, is working towards the career he wants, and is setting himself up to live independently again—ready to make a home for himself once more. We’re so proud of you, Barry!
If you’re facing eviction, we have advice on how to ensure you get the support you need and deserve. You never have to deal with it alone – there’s help available.
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