Living Rent and Govanhill residents will protest against eviction of mum

The Glasgow Times told on Wednesday how mum-of-one Marta had been given one month's notice to leave her property by her landlord.

Tenants' union Living Rent stepped in to back Marta's family and on Thursday evening held a socially distanced demonstration.

More than 100 people have now signed up to volunteer as part of an "eviction resistance network" while a second protest is planned outside the landlord's home address.

Living Rent member Bethan Manton-Roseblade said: "Marta’s family does not stand alone.

"Today has shown that this family has the backing of a united neighbourhood.

"We’re organised, well-drilled and ready to intervene at any time."

The minimum notice required by Scottish law to evict a tenant under a Private Residential Tenancy Agreement due to the sale of the rented property is currently six months.

Marta and her family of four received a letter from their landlord on March 22 informing them that the property had been sold and demanding they leave the property by April 22.

When the Glasgow Times spoke to the property manager for Marta's flat, he said the mum has not paid rent for eight months and is £4000 in arrears.

Marta disputes the amount of the arrears.

He said the studio flat had been rented for Marta and her two-year-old but that she is now overcrowding the flat having moved in two other adults.

He said without rental income the mortgage was in arrears and the flat is about to be repossessed by the bank, which is why it was being sold.

Green Party councillor Kim Long said: "Everyone deserves safe, affordable and secure housing, and the six month eviction notice period was designed to give peace of mind and security to tenants facing eviction during a lockdown.

Living Rent Govanhill demonstration

"It was meant to stop this kind of intimidation.

"These laws are not optional, and landlords must respect the rights of tenants and follow them.

"My colleagues and I stand in full solidarity with Marta and her family.

"Illegal evictions must be stopped, and so must any landlord who is trying to get away with not following the law."

At the gathering, demonstrators displayed banners and placards expressing solidarity with Marta’s family and sang chants opposing the eviction.

A number of local groups are involved, including Living Rent Govanhill, Romano Lav, Govanhill Baths, Unite Hospitality, and Milk Cafe.

Social distancing was maintained throughout the event and all demonstrators wore face-masks.

Despite being invited to come and broker an end to the stand-off, the landlord did not attend.

A representative from Living Rent said more than 100 people have now volunteered as part of an “eviction resistance network” which will defend the rights of Marta’s family to remain in their home by “any means necessary”.

The network has set out a range of strategies and is designed to respond at a moment’s notice.

The tenants union has also announced that a second demonstration is being organised outside the landlord's registered address.

The date of this demonstration will not be publicised.

Local councillor Soryia Siddique said: "Constituents experiencing eviction can contact me and I can raise their concerns with Landlord Registration at Glasgow City Council.

"It is paramount policy and legislation is being adhered to."