The housing association says she has no right to stay in the only home she has ever known
A single mum fears she and her family could be made homeless because her landlord has told her they won’t transfer their home into her name following the death of her father. Saphire O’Connor, 34, was born at the house in Chatham, Kent, where she looks after her two young children, and is a full-time carer to her adult brother.
When her dad, Shaun O’Connor, became terminally ill at the end of last year, it was one of his final wishes to assign the rental agreement to his daughter. Saphire said he wanted to die in the knowledge that his family had a secure roof over their heads.
But housing association mhs homes has written to her saying as “no succession rights exist”, she must vacate the three-bed terrace property. Saphire said: “My parents took over the tenancy in 1992. It’s the only home we’ve ever known. I have grown up here and gone to school here. My friends are here in this community, and my children have settled here.”
Ms O’Connor said they had been good tenants and could not understand why the Medway-based housing provider had turned down her request for a meeting. She said: “They have been to the house and know the situation we are in.”
Her daughter Malia-Sydney, aged six, has autism and is under an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Her one-year-old baby Leo has additional needs, and her brother Christopher, 35, has autism, ADHD and severe learning difficulties.
Saphire, who has lived in the house her whole life, said any changes to their lifestyle would be disruptive and could cause a long-term impact on their mental health and well-being. In correspondence to the family, mhs homes said: “There is no duty as landlord to provide alternative accommodation.”
It advised Saphire to seek legal advice and approach the homeless charity, Shelter and Citizens Advice. When approached for comment, Andy Pule, mhs executive director of customer experience, said: “We understand Miss O’Connor’s situation, and we’re sorry for the recent loss of her father.
“There are some circumstances where a tenancy can be passed on when a tenant dies. However, this case is currently with our legal representatives, so it wouldn’t be appropriate to comment further at this time.
“We remain committed to supporting Miss O’Connor and her family and we continue to work with them, along with Medway Council, to provide appropriate advice and support.”
Saphire’s cousin Brydie Wallington has been supporting her in her fight for a discretionary tenancy of the property. She has also written to the Housing Ombudsman on her behalf. Brydie said: “Any forced move would not only disrupt essential support networks, schooling, and medical care, but would also expose them to a heightened risk of victimisation and harm.
“In particular, it would have a massive impact on Malia’s schooling, as she has an Education, Health and Care Plan in place to attend a local school that is equipped to meet her specific needs; any relocation would risk interrupting this provision and her educational progress.
“Due to their conditions, members of the household are less able to recognise or respond to danger, making unfamiliar environments particularly unsafe. Relocation could severely impact their mental health, stability, and overall well-being, placing them at real risk.
“It is vital that their vulnerabilities are properly recognised and that any housing decisions prioritise their safety, continuity of care, and protection from potential targeting or exploitation.”
