London Charity's Rent Hikes Force Elderly Tenants to Pay Up to £1,000 More Monthly
Elderly residents housed by a London charity that publicly states it focuses on relieving hardship have been ordered to pay up to £1,000 more per month in rent, causing widespread distress and eviction fears. Tenants with the Richmond Foundation, based in the south-west London borough of Richmond, have been informed that their rents are being increased to reflect market value, despite the properties being let as charitable housing. This move threatens one of the only affordable living options in one of the capital's most expensive areas.
Substantial Rent Increases and Health Impacts
Some tenants have been told they no longer meet the charitable criteria, facing increases of over £1,000 per month, while others still eligible are seeing jumps of an extra £500. The charity's new policy aligns all charitable rents at 70% of market value, just below the 80% maximum outlined in government guidance for affordable housing. Many residents have lived in their homes for more than 30 years at subsidised rates, but now confront impossible financial burdens.
Richard Jackson, a 75-year-old who has resided in his home for 20 years, reported his rent increasing by 150% to approximately £2,500 per month. He expressed to Metro that the stress is overwhelming, stating, "We are just sitting waiting for our eviction letters now." Since learning of the rise, he has suffered from high blood pressure and developed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The Richmond Foundation confirmed they are finalising the exact figure but noted £2,500 reflects the market value.
Personal Stories of Struggle and Displacement
Another anonymous tenant described her rent soaring by an extra £1,800 monthly, a staggering 180% increase. She highlighted the difficulty of covering this cost for herself and her daughter, who has cystic fibrosis, after being deemed ineligible for continued support. "I have lived here for 26 years and the charity have been mercilessly threatening eviction," she said, adding that negotiation attempts were met with solicitors' letters.
Brian Green, a 74-year-old legally registered blind, has had his anti-depressant dosage increased following a rent hike of over £400 per month, with another rise expected in the next two years from £974 to £1,412. He shared, "Having to adjust to everything again as a blind person will be unbelievably difficult," emphasising his deep roots in Richmond after 31 years.
Tim Whitehead, 75, who has lived in his property for 38 years, saw his rent increase from £1,123 to £1,792. He questioned the charity's actions, recalling, "We were told verbally when we moved in we would have a home for life. So what has happened?" He lamented that the new costs are unaffordable despite the charitable housing label.
Charity's Response and Historical Controversies
In response, the Richmond Foundation told Metro that while informal conversations may have occurred years ago, they have never offered guaranteed homes for life, and tenancies are granted in accordance with charity law and governing documents. They asserted that even after changes, charitable rents remain below Local Housing Allowance levels, with significant increases phased over two years and tailored support offered.
However, past incidents raise concerns. In 2021, a former resident was encouraged to move to accommodate homeless families, only to see the property listed for sale on Rightmove and subsequently sold. The charity denied any false basis for such moves, explaining that properties are sometimes sold when no longer suitable for charitable housing, with decisions made in line with legal responsibilities.
This situation underscores a broader crisis in affordable housing in London, where vulnerable elderly individuals face displacement despite charitable protections. The Richmond Foundation's actions highlight tensions between market pressures and social welfare missions, leaving many tenants in precarious positions.
