The Richmond Foundation, a charity providing housing to elderly tenants in London, has implemented rent increases of up to 180%, leaving long-term residents facing sleepless nights, declining health, and the prospect of losing homes they have occupied for decades. The charity's decision to raise rents to 70% of market value has sparked outrage among tenants, who describe the increases as extortionate given the high cost of living in Richmond.
Tenants Report Health Decline and Stress
Richard Jackson, 75, and his wife face a monthly rent increase from approximately £1,100 to £2,500, a sum they cannot afford. "The impact is enormous. My blood pressure is up. I've had various other problems associated with stress. Both my wife and I aren't sleeping," Jackson said. He added that their children are deeply concerned about their future. Another tenant, who wished to remain anonymous, reported her monthly rent rising from £1,009 to £1,440, with a similar increase expected next year. She said her mental health has "reached an all-time low" and she has been prescribed antidepressants.
Community Disruption and 'Home for Life' Promises
Jackson, who has lived in his home for 20 years, said the rent hikes are breaking up the community by forcing people to move. "There's going to be a real big jolt for everybody as you've built up a network, a network of doctors, carers, people who look after you, friends, family who have got an eye out for you, and all that they just want to throw away," he said. He claimed tenants were originally told they would have a home as long as they wanted it. Another tenant said she was promised a "home for life" when she gave up social housing to move into a Richmond Foundation property 16 years ago, a claim the charity disputes.
Tenants Accuse Charity of 'Bulldozing' Plans
Tenants allege that the Richmond Foundation demanded unprecedented personal information, including their children's salaries, before implementing the rent changes. New rules on income, savings, and occupancy have also been introduced. "Although they say we want to listen to you and all the rest of it, they don't want to listen to us, they're just bulldozing ahead with their plans. It's all being done by fear," Jackson said. Tim Whitehead, 75, a tenant for 38 years, faces a 60% increase from £1,123 to £1,792 per month. He said the increases are "outrageous" and go against the charity's purpose of relieving hardship. "How is that charitable? How is that dealing with poverty in Richmond? It's not," Whitehead said.
Charity Defends Rent Increases
A Richmond Foundation spokesperson said the charity's charitable purpose has not changed and that changes were carefully considered to ensure fairness and long-term sustainability. "We recognise that changes to rent and tenancy arrangements have caused concern for some affected tenants. However, Richmond Foundation's charitable purpose has not changed," the spokesperson said. They added that tenants can apply for extra help where affordability is an issue. "Any changes have been carefully considered to ensure fairness and the long-term sustainability of the charity and the homes it provides," the spokesperson stated. Tenants are now complaining to the Charity Commission, seeking an independent investigation into the foundation's actions.
