PETITION TO WEST KENT HOUSING ASSOCIATION 

Protect a Long-Standing Resident’s Right to Remain in Her Home - Laura Staples on Montgomery Road

Background
 • Laura and her family have lived in this village for over 120 years.
 • The property has been her family home for generations and was held in joint names by her parents.
 • Following her father’s death, the council issued written confirmation stating the home was in joint names with her mother.
 • Laura is an only child, with no siblings and no surviving extended family.
 • She is currently in her 50s and lives with chronic health conditions that prevent her from working.
 • For the past four years, Laura acted as the sole carer for her mother, who suffered from cancer and dementia, which forced her to give up employment.
 • Her mother sadly passed away in October 2025.

Current Situation

Within days of her mother’s death, Laura was informed that she would be evicted, based on the claim that the tenancy could not be passed down again.

This position directly contradicts written advice previously given by the council, and:
 • A qualified solicitor has reviewed all documentation
 • The solicitor has confirmed that the proposed eviction is unlawful, given the legal history and her circumstances
 • The solicitor has made multiple attempts to contact West Kent Housing Association
 • No response has been received by any method of communication

Additional Concerns
 • The property has already been adapted for disability access, including a stair lift, which she will increasingly need due to her health.
 • Laura relies heavily on her local neighbours and community for:
 • Meals
 • Property maintenance
 • Emotional support
 • Laura is suffering from significant anxiety, which has been severely worsened by the threat of eviction.
 • Medical advice supports the need for stability and continuity in her living environment.

Our Request

We, the undersigned, respectfully ask West Kent Housing Association to:
 1. Immediately halt any eviction proceedings
 2. Engage properly with her legal representatives
 3. Review the case fairly and lawfully
 4. Allow her to remain in her home, where she has lived her entire life and where appropriate support systems are already in place

This is not only a matter of housing policy — it is a matter of fairness, compassion, and community responsibility.

We urge the association to act humanely and responsibly, and to prevent the unnecessary displacement of a vulnerable resident from her lifelong home.

We, the undersigned residents and supporters of the local community, respectfully call upon West Kent Housing Association to halt the eviction proceedings against a long-standing and valued resident of our village and to allow her to remain in her home.