Grieving family ‘evicted’ from dead mother’s home
2:29pm Sunday 10th August 2008
A single mum with two young children is at risk of losing her family house in Chiswick just months after the death of her mother.
Susan Williamson, 35, has lived in a flat in Alexandra Gardens, owned by Hounslow Homes, ever since her family moved to the property 35 years ago, even giving birth to her daughter on the bathroom floor.
After moving to the property in 1973 the tenancy agreement was put under the name of Miss Williamson’s dad and after his death 10 years ago was transferred to that of her mother’s.
However, according to the 1985 Housing Act a property can only be passed down to another tenant once and so following Susan’s mum’s death in June she has been told she can no longer remain in the property.
Along with her 10 year-old son Jardel, who attends Cavendish School in Chiswick, and five-year-old daughter Jasmine, Miss Williamson may faces being forced to leave and reside in a bed and breakfast until Hounslow Homes secure a new house for them.
Miss Williamson said: “My kids were very close to their nan and are still grieving. My son is saying that he doesn’t want to move from his friends and his school. It seems pointless moving me out of the house and I’m happy to stay here.”
A spokesman from Hounslow Homes said it was aware of Miss Williamson’s situation and was currently dealing with the case.
The spokesman said: “The law regarding succession states that only one succession can take place for each tenancy agreement. Any proposed succession is also subject to the estate manager’s discretion. Hounslow Homes is aware the property in discussion has three bedrooms and Miss Williamson only needs two bedrooms.
“One option being suggested is to award her a tenancy, but not at that address.”