People living in Lulwoth Tower say they will spend Christmas trying to avoid becoming homeless

DOZENS of residents in Camden Town are facing homelessness this Christmas after being handed a 63 per cent rent increase and given less than a month to find somewhere else to live.

The New Journal met with residents staying in guardianships in Lulworth Tower, Agar Grove, this week who were “outraged” and terrified of spending Christmas on the streets because they can no longer afford to stay there.

Ten residents have told Camden Council they are at risk of homelessness. Guardians are residents who temporarily live in disused buildings – former pubs, care homes or in this case a run-down council-owned residence waiting for refurbishment – for below market rent but with no tenancy rights.

While guardians can be told they need to leave within 28 days because a building is coming back into use, Lulworth tenants said the former guardianship company VPS had many different homes in Camden and would help them relocate.

The flats are in poor condition when people move in – part of the deal with the lower rent. Gita Browning, who said she wouldn’t have been able to train as a therapist at university without the cheap rent of the guardianship, said: “I’ve registered as at risk of homelessness because I don’t have anywhere to go. I don’t have any family support in London and I also have a disability.

“These are our homes, we’ve lived here for a number of years and we’ve integrated into the community and now we’re being told we’re going to lose our homes in 10 days.”

The flats were in a poor state when people moved in under guardian agreements. Problems included cracks in the ceiling, below.

Another resident Cathy Shaw said: “It’s just the inhumanity of it. I’ve already organised to go to Devon to see my family for Christmas but now I think I’ll be seeing them for a lot longer – I’ll have to live with them.” There are 90 guardianship flats in the building. Some people have been living at Lulworth for eight years and had spent a lot of money doing up the unfurnished flats because they were in such a bad condition when they moved in.

The council has awarded a new guardian­ship company, Dex – which was the highest bidder – a contract to look after all its currently unused council buildings for a 68.3 per cent share.

In November residents were informed a new company was taking over the contract but they were reassured over the phone that the rent would stay roughly the same. One-bed flats will increase from £800 a month to £1,320 without bills – a 63 per cent jump – for a flat that overlooks a building site.

Claudia Monteriso, another resident, said: “This homelessness is completely preventable because flats are still available. Most people who are being actually made homeless and evicted have paid their rent for years. I’ve been here for eight and a half years. Camden Council has a duty to protect us.”

A spokeswoman for Dex said: “Dex is committed to providing excellent service to guardians and strives to keep as many as possible in their homes while assisting those who cannot stay. We have agreed on an extension for those who require it and have promptly contacted all guardians in phase 1 with many joining us.

“Dex conducted research to ensure fees align with market conditions. Slight adjustments were made ensuring fairness for all.

“Our income criteria follow standard guide­lines to assess afforda­bility for employed and self-employed individuals. “Our Dex Together volunteering initiative is open to guardians to give back to communities. Participation is entirely optional.”