Evicton for tenant who refused repair works to 19th century home

An Oxford tenant who refused to allow critical building repair works to take place to his 19th century home has been evicted.

Despite being offered three alternative properties, the 46-year-old refused to move from his flat in Iffley Road.

Local housing provider A2Dominion was eventually forced to take the matter to Oxford County Court to regain possession of its property to enable the work to go ahead.

The move followed months of trying to work with the tenant, who was also reported by neighbours for antisocial behaviour, to find a solution.

A2Dominion informed residents living in the block last year that it required a major refurbishment, including the pinning of its bulging walls. Apart from one tenant, all residents agreed to co-operate by moving into alternative accommodation provided by A2Dominion.

Laurinda Hornblow, A2Dominion’s area director (North), said: “This was a highly unusual case for us, and one that has been both difficult and challenging.

“We are committed to providing high quality homes, and our residents’ safety is always a top priority.

“As such, it is vital that we carry out a refurbishment of the 19th century property in Iffley Road, and this unfortunately requires residents to move out to new accommodation.

“We did everything we could to try to find a solution that the tenant would have been satisfied with, so it was regrettable that in the end this matter had to come to court.

“However, we are pleased that the Possession Order has been granted, as it means we can now proceed with carrying out the essential building works which are required at the property.”

Oxford County Court granted a Possession Order in November, allowing A2Dominion to take back possession of the property and evict the tenant on 15 December.