Residents facing the threat of eviction from their housing association homes, from left: Diana H, Patrick Coffrey, Rachel Beattie and Gerry Coughlan

MORE than 60 people who have previously experienced homelessness fear they will be left on the streets once again after being threatened with eviction by a housing association.

Clarion Housing – England largest social housing landlord – has ordered tenants in 13 properties to move out of their flats, with some told they need to leave as soon as April.

The flats have been let to Peter Bedford Housing Association (PBHA), which has provided accommodation to people experiencing homelessness, for 25 years, but Clarion have said they will not renew the lease.

Gerry Coughlan has been living in one of the properties on Isledon Road for 18 years. Prior to that, he had spent nine-and-a-half years sleeping in a car in Hornsey Rise with his dog Tizer. He told the Tribune: “When I met Peter Bedford, they sorted me out with accommodation and I appreciate that. But what am I going to do now at 63 years of age?

“They’re going to put me out on the street with the dog – where am I going to go?”

The letters from PBHA, which arrived last month, told tenants that they would need to “move on”, adding that the properties would be returned to Clarion in phases, beginning in April 2026.

“The letter is very cruel, they have left people wondering what will happen”, said Diana, who said she became homeless after leaving an abusive relationship.

“We are not being told where to go, that’s the scary thing. They are destroying our lives, they are being inhumane, because being alone, being vulnerable and now about to become homeless, they are taking the only outlet we have to stay together.”

The residents have formed a tight-knit community, and support each other when family is far away. They say they are terrified that any offer of alternative accommodation would split them up and take away their ability to access the services – GPs, hospitals, support groups – that they rely on.

“Peter Bedford don’t care, they just want the money,” added Diana. “If you are vulnerable, they are quite sure that you aren’t going to complain. They thought that taking advantage of us will be easy because we are vulnerable.”

Clarion say that they need to vacate the flats because the contract has come to the end and they need to complete repairs but would not say what they plan to do with the homes after work is complete.

“They want money, what are they going to do? Sell the properties off to rich people? They don’t want anyone on benefits here. [To them], we’re a waste of space”, said Mr Coughlan.

Rachel Beattie, who has been living in one of the flats in Finsbury Park, added: “What Clarion is doing is actively enabling social cleansing. There are repairs that need to be done in our homes, and we hope that they do it over time, but Clarion is choosing to get the most vulnerable people in Islington out so they can go in, make them look a bit nicer, and then rent them out for more money.”

The residents are now organising a petition and demanding a group meeting with representatives from PBHA, Clarion, and Islington Council.

A spokesperson for PBHA said: “These homes have played an important role in providing housing and support services for single homeless people over many years. After 21 years, these leases are coming to an end, and PBHA and Clarion have worked together to agree a phased hand-back of the properties. Although the leases will not be renewed, both organisations remain deeply proud of the support thousands of residents have received through these homes.

“Above all, we are committed to ensuring that every resident can access an alternative home, feels supported and reassured throughout. PBHA will be able to rehouse some people in its own homes and will work closely with Clarion and local authorities to provide dedicated support to each person as they move to their new homes.

“PBHA is meeting with every resident affected and looking at move-on options with them. We aim to find better housing for all and avoid the need for any evictions.”

A Clarion Housing Group spokesperson said: “Both Clarion and PBHA are committed to working with residents to support them in finding a new home that meets their needs. The phased handback of properties will take place over 12 months to allow proper time to provide this support.

“Once the homes are returned, Clarion will carry out a full review to determine their future within our long-term housing strategy.

“Our immediate focus is continuing to work closely with PBHA and local authorities to support the transition during what we recognise can be a difficult time for residents. We will ensure residents are kept up to date on every stage of this journey, and would be happy to take part in any group meeting to reassure residents.”