Pensioner surprised to find dean is selling her new home
A 91-YEAR-old former nurse is frantic with worry after finding out her rented home is up for sale – on the day she moved in.
Nan Spalding was hoping to spend her final years in the terraced, sheltered house in Robartes Court, Truro, that is owned by the Dean of Truro Cathedral, the Rt Rev Christopher Hardwick, and his wife Linda.
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Nan Spalding
But Nan only discovered the house was up for sale after the first of two removal vans had been unloaded.
She said: "It was the first I had heard of it. I was so shocked. But everyone here seems to have known."
She signed a contract for a six-month lease, believing it was a rolling contract and the short time period was a safety net for the owners in case they were lumbered with "some rogue" as a tenant.
Mrs Spalding said: "At 91 who would take an unfurnished house in sheltered accommodation for just six months? I don't know whether I'm going to get the heave-ho after six months or not. No one's telling me anything. A gipsy once told me I was going to live to 100, but with all of this going on I don't want to. I'd rather just slip away."
Letting company Premier Property Agents claimed the owners had not told them the house was up for sale.
Despite numerous attempts to speak to him, Mr Hardwick was not available for comment and his wife refused to comment when contacted by the West Briton.
Believes
Estate agent Stratton Creber confirmed this week that the house was on its books to be sold for £154,950.
Mrs Spalding is desperate not to be portrayed as a victim, but believes she should have been told it could not be her home for the forseeable future.
Mrs Spalding, whose last relative, her elder sister, died in 2001, said: "When I spoke to the letting agency in the first place I made it quite clear I was 91, coming on doctor's advice and it was my last port of call before I slip away. At no point did she tell me it was a short lease or it was up for sale."
A member of staff at Premier Property Agents, on Lemon Street, said they had been advertising the property since the previous tenant moved out in January 2009 and were not aware it was up for sale until after Mrs Spalding signed the tenancy agreement.
3 Comments
by ssarmca, England
Thursday, March 25 2010, 9:24AM
“This is appalling. We are campaigning to repeal the 1988 Housing Act, 6-month Short-hold Self-assured Tenancy Agreements that is not fit for dogs. There is no security of tenure for the over 60s in England. Tens of thousands of tenants of all ages are falling victim. In Germany, (who won the war) only a judge can order an eviction from private rented accommodation and only in exceptional circumstances. Many English victims on basic State pension evicted are forced to take any property. They then face punished by councils removing or refusing the DHP part of that financial support leaving many elderly disabled to make up the shortfall than can exceed £50 a week from a basic State pension of only £95.41 a week. Many die from the cold. German veterans receive a basic pension of 17,000 Euro pa and spend most of the winter in the Canaries.
Any Cornish victims over 60 whether veterans or not can contact us, as we have registered this with the International Criminal Court at the Hague for crimes against humanity. We would love to hear from the lady in the above article.
Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Royal marines Commando Association. PO Box 155 - NR31 8GY. ssarmca@btinternet.com”
by angofsmate, Truro and Mevagissey
Monday, March 22 2010, 5:56PM
“Evil... I will avoid Premier Property Agents of Lemon Street. They must have known all along.
If I was Mrs Spalding I would refuse to move out (ever) and refuse the selling agent access. Stratton and Creber will not have the right to show people around until the last 2 months of a tenancy, i rent and its s standard clause apparently. Just say no to viewings Mrs Spalding, then you will be OK my love.”
by Mike, Duchy of Cornwall
Monday, March 22 2010, 5:51PM
“Poor soul - so much for Christianity ! No wonder its dying off.”