Abbeyhill tenants to remain in homes following eviction warning after politicians raise concerns
The issue was raised at First Minister’s Questions by local MSP Ben Macpherson on Tuesday afternoon (November 10)
Residents at a number of flats in Abbeyhill have been told that they will be able to stay in their homes after fears that eviction notices would be served on more than 60 properties.
Tenants of 95 and 120 Lawrie Reilly Place received an email from letting agency Dwello on Tuesday, October 27 informing them that property owner Nevis Properties Ltd has been approached by a prospective buyer for the properties and would need them vacant for sale.
Nevis Properties Ltd, which bought the blocks from Places for People only earlier this year, had been planning to issue formal eviction notices to its tenants on Wednesday, November 11 with a proposed possession date of February 7, 2027.
However, Dwello has now confirmed to the Evening News that the sale of the properties will not be proceeding and that the tenancies will remain in place, with the letting agency continuing to run the properties on behalf of Nevis Properties Ltd.
It comes after Ben Macpherson, MSP for Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith, raised the issue in the Scottish Parliament at First Minister’s Questions on Tuesday afternoon (November 10).
Mr Macpherson said in the chamber: “ I am very concerned that more than 100 tenants in my constituency face the prospect of losing their homes around Christmas because Nevis Properties is planning to sell properties at Lawrie Reilly Place with vacant possession, after having purchased them from a housing association.
“The situation is obviously very worrying for those affected, and it is part of a growing problem of large-scale corporate landlords negatively impacting communities in my constituency and elsewhere in urban Scotland.”
Speaking following the update that the sale had been halted, Mr Macpherson said he was “very relieved that Nevis Properties have now done the right thing”, adding: “It was shocking and clearly wrong that over a hundred of my constituents were facing the prospect of losing their homes, which is why I raised the issue directly with the First Minister in Parliament, and have worked proactively with others to support affected tenants.
“The decision of Nevis Properties to cancel the sale will bring enormous relief to those households and their families, particularly in the run up to Christmas, and means they can now remain in their community.
“While this welcome change of position from Nevis Properties is of course very welcome news, I will continue to support residents in the period ahead and engage with all involved to help make sure this issue doesn’t emerge again.”
Local MP Chris Murray also said that he had written to both Dwello and Nevis Properties for answers earlier this week.
The MP Edinburgh East and Musselburgh said: “Eight residents of Lawrie Reilly Place came to my surgery this week, frightened that they were about to lose their homes. They were told in March that nothing would change for them when the building was sold. Then they were told by email that the flats had to be emptied for a new buyer, in the middle of winter.
“After pressure from residents, myself, and Ben Macpherson over the past few days, I am glad that Dwello has now told residents the sale is not going ahead and that their tenancies will continue as before.
“However, it should never have come to this. As winter draws in, sixty-one households have spent weeks fearing for their homes, in the middle of a housing crisis, and they deserve better. Residents now need a clear written commitment from Nevis that residents will not be asked to leave in this way again, and that any future sale will be with tenants in place.”
A public meeting is due to take place on Friday, November 13, where residents can discuss the outcome with Mr Macpherson and Mr Murray.
Mr Murray added that there are “wider questions remaining” for residents, including the involvement of Stephen McKechnie, who is shown on public record as a director of both Dwello and Nevis Properties Ltd.
He said: “Residents say Dwello has been the face of this throughout, yet public records show that the chairman of Dwello and a director of Nevis Properties, the owner of the building, are the same man, Stephen McKechnie. Tenants are entitled to know who is making these decisions, and to be secure in their homes.
“I wrote to both companies on Monday asking them to confirm that link, explain why they wanted vacant possession, and name the buyers. I am still waiting for a clear answer.
“I will continue working with the local MSP, Shelter, Living Rent and the council’s private rented sector team to get security for these residents. Anyone affected is welcome to come to Friday’s meeting or to contact my office, and I hope Mr McKechnie will come and answer residents’ questions.”