If ever there was a case for the reform of private renters' rights it's this. 

Residents of Dorchester Court in Herne Hill all rent from the same landlord, Manaquel Ltd. In recent years, the company has tried putting up the rent by 30% in many cases - some of the residents managed to negotiate a lower increase, but are still paying much more than before. 

This year, instead of having their tenancy renewed, the landlord has been issuing them with section 21 eviction notices - giving the tenant 2 months to leave - without giving them a reason or any option to stay.

[photo: Brixton Buzz]

One of the tenants being evicted is a family of four who have been in the same flat for 21 years, and includes the gardener of the estate. He hasn't had a pay rise, yet his rent went up by 20% last year.

By forcing out tenants on ordinary incomes, the landlord is tearing apart a strong community for no other reason than greed. This is the reason private renting is failing the people who live there. Even if you've had a home for two decades, your landlord can still chuck you out.

Generation Rent is calling for protections for private renters from eviction. Rent should not be allowed to rise by more than inflation. Landlords should not be able to evict tenants just because they feel like it - and if they absolutely have to get their property back, they should reimburse the tenant for the cost of moving.

Please support the residents of Dorchester Court and sign the petition here.