Man faces eviction after mum's death from cancer

Under succession rules, a council home can only be passed on once

A man facing eviction from his childhood home in west London, following the death of his mother from cancer, says it's like "losing her again".

Kyle Rolfe, 25, said Ealing Council had asked him to leave the Hanwell property he's lived in since he was three years old, because of tenancy succession rules.

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service his sister inherited the tenancy, and when she moved out he informed the council, thinking "he did the right thing".

Under succession rules, a council home can only be passed on once, and Ealing Council said while it was "sorry to hear about Kyle's situation", he agreed to the property being handed to his sister after their mother's death in 2022.

Kyle Rolfe has submitted a rehousing request with the council

A letter, seen by LDRS, indicates that Kyle has until 22 October to vacate the property where his mother's ashes are scattered in the garden.

Kyle said he is struggling with anxiety because of the situation.

"I feel like I'm just crying for help, I never miss a rent payment, council tax, or any bills.

"Some mornings, I don't know what I'm fighting for anymore, I get scared to leave the house in case I come back and they're changing the locks."

Kyle has submitted a rehousing request with the council and is waiting for an interview.

The council said that "no actions will be taken to gain possession of the property until the outcome of Kyle's rehousing assessment", giving him more time.

The council has added: "Due to the huge number of people on our housing waiting list, his case will only be agreed if he has vulnerabilities or particular circumstances that make him eligible for a council property."

If Kyle's rehousing application is refused, and he fails to leave the property, the council said it will "have no choice but to regain possession of the property through the courts".