Residents’ shock after being told to leave homes within three months

Residents of a Carrickfergus housing development have spoken of their shock after being asked to move out of their homes within three months.
Beechgrove Carrickfergus (image Google).Beechgrove Carrickfergus (image Google).
Beechgrove Carrickfergus (image Google).

Tenants at Beechgrove, off Woodburn Avenue in the town, were told they had to leave the properties due to the landlord’s decision to sell them.

It is understood up to 24 houses, owned by Lisburn-based Rezara Properties, are affected.

A ‘Notice to Quit’, seen by the Carrick Times, gives householders until February 1 to find alternative accommodation.

One tenant, who did not wished to be named, has lived in the development with her young family for less than a year.

“It was just completely out of the blue; I was so shocked,” she said.

“With Covid happening and Christmas coming up, there couldn’t be a worse time to be looking for somewhere else to rent; there’s nothing out there.

The householder said she and fellow neighbours were calling for more time to find new homes.

“Three months is not long enough,” she added.

Another resident commented: “I’ve been here for about 16 and a half years; I was one of the first to move in.

“The majority of us have to be out by the start of February; that’s a lot of people looking somewhere new to live, in the same area at the same time.

“There is the option of buying the house, but unless there’s something like discount for sitting tenants it’s not possible for me.”

The homes are let by Pyper Property, based in Carrickfergus town centre.

Sandra Pyper from the letting agency said: “Unfortunately we have been advised by the landlord of the development he will be selling the properties.

“Each tenant has been contacted individually by ourselves and we are currently working closely with each household involved trying to help them to find a new home,

“Obviously this highlights the shortage of rental properties available and the difficulties this presents to all involved.

“We are extremely sympathetic to everyone affected especially in the current times.”

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