We were locked out of our home while at the shops – and now we’ve been homeless and living on the street for TWO YEARS
A COUPLE who were locked out of their home while at the shops say they have now been homeless for two years.
Shane Dyson, 43, now lives on the streets of Croydon, London, with his wheelchair-bound partner of 30 years Annmarie McDonagh, 50.
Shane worked as a satellite installer, but became Annmarie’s full time carer when she started using the wheelchair three years ago.
Annmarie had gone into hospital for stomach ulcers, but found out she had brain aneurysms and blood poisoning.
She had to go under the knife, but Shane said the surgeon popped an artery leaving them needing to remove a leg.
The pair have faced the horrific violence while living on the street, which they say hasn’t been their fault, according to MyLondon.
Shane also lost his eye about two years ago after being stabbed in the face and also lost the use of his hand when a gang threw acid on him while sleeping.
They haven’t always been homeless, but their disabilities have made their problems worse.
Five years ago they lived with Annmarie’s mother in the borough, but when she died they lost the home.
Two years ago they found a temporary council home run by Caridon Property which worked for Annmarie’s wheelchair needs.
But, five months after moving in they returned from the shops to find they had been locked out and were not allowed back in.
He said: “[The eviction] just came out of nowhere, it was a shock. They said to come back and we will let you us but they never did.”
While living on the street, the pair have faced serious violence, including being beaten up by knuckle-duster wearing thugs.
“We try and keep away from all of the other homeless lot because they’re always fighting and trying to kill each other. Croydon is a very dangerous place. Especially at night, It’s really scary.”
They also say their ID’s get frequently stolen, which makes it impossible to pick up medication or fill out documents.
Shane said the pair were never given a reason why they were evicted and now the council are denying they were ever tenants at the property.
“We spoke to a few people in the Council about housing and they have said that we have to find the property. We have got no access to the internet and we’re not good readers and writers, it’s just tough.”
A volunteer named Avril told MyLondon that she believes the council made a mistake in their eviction.
Avril said the council would give her a runaround by social workers when she tried to sort out appropriate housing.
She said when an MP tried to help with the problem the council said they pair didn’t exist in the system.
A spokesperson from Caridon said: “It’s important to clarify that while Caridon Property Ltd manages some of the flats in the building, the specific unit in question is leased to the local council for temporary emergency accommodation.
“The couple mentioned were occupants under a license to occupy with the council as their landlord, not with Caridon Property Ltd.
“The decision to terminate their accommodation was made by the council nearly two years ago, and they were provided with a two-week extension following the cancellation of their placement to allow time to remove their belongings.”
Croydon Council was approached for comment.
What are your eviction rights?
According to housing charity Shelter, landlords and letting agents must follow correct procedures to evict tenants.
Currently, landlords have to give you 14 days notice before serving you an eviction notice period.
Once you’ve been served this eviction notice, you have a two-month period before court action can be started against you.
After this period is up, your landlord has four months to take you to court.
But it’s an illegal eviction if your landlord or anyone acting on their behalf:
- forces you to leave by threatening or harassing you
- kicks you out or uses physical force to make you leave
- stops you from getting into parts of your home
- changes the locks while you’re out
If your landlord does take you to court, you could also end up being liable for some of the costs
Also, charities like Shelter and Citizens Advice might also be able to offer some assistance.
Legal aid could also help if you have a serious housing problem.
If you are on benefits or have a low income you could get:
- telephone advice from civil legal advice
- an appointment with a legal advisor or solicitor
- help at a possession hearing from a court duty advisor
You can also get help with stopping or delaying eviction, court action for mortgage repossession and illegal eviction and harassment.
