Southampton residents 'cannot afford' huge rent increase

Three residents told the Echo that they had all moved into Tyrrell Court on Brookside Way in Mansbridge over the last eight years under the impression that it was “affordable housing”.

But after being sent a letter in September notifying those living there that the block was under new ownership, residents have seen their rent increase by £200 a month less than a year later.

Jane Hall, who moved in at Tyrrell Court in May 2024 and lives alone, was sent a letter on April 28.

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It said they her rent had gone from £675 to £875, effective from June 1.

Jane Hall said that most people live on their own at Tyrrell Court and fears they may not be able to meet £200 rent increases. (Image: Newsquest) Jane said: “Most of the people here are on their own, in one bed flats. Nobody here can afford that by themselves.”

Another resident, who asked to stay anonymous, also said that she signed up under the guise that the property was “affordable housing”.

But now, her rent has been increased by 41 per cent, from £620 to £875 a month, and she said that she does not believe the reasoning for the hike has been explained.

“I rang them up on Friday and said can somebody give me a call because I wanted to hear their reasoning,” she said.

“I’m still waiting for a call and it’s Wednesday. I want to know what the justification is as to why they’ve increased it so high.

“If we say no, we’re going to be homeless."

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Jane said that she would understand an increase in rent if significant work had been done to maintain or renovate the block of flats.

The overflowing bin store at Tyrrell Court. (Image: Newsquest) But she explained that the grounds are not maintained and the bin store is constantly overflowing with dumped rubbish.

“The property hasn’t been updated since it’s been built," Jane said.

Tri-Group Management addressed the state of the bin store and said fly-tipping was a regular issue. (Image: Newsquest) “A lot of people have got mental health issues. I’m scared it’s going to tip people over the edge because that’s a lot of money to find. Someone else who lives here is three months pregnant, how is she going to find the extra money?”

A third resident, who said they had been living in Tyrrell Court since 2017, also said that their £200 a month rent increase was “unacceptable”.

'Rents have been adjusted to reflect current market conditions' - Tri-Group Management's response

Tyrrell Court on Brookside Way. (Image: Jane Hall) A spokesperson for Tri-Group Management, who are managing agents at the block on behalf of the new owners, said that Tyrrell Court “has never been formally designated as affordable housing”.

They said it was previously run by a non-profit housing association, which maintained rents at “levels significantly below the local market average”.

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The spokesperson said: “Tyrrell Court is now under private ownership, which comes with new financial obligations, including mortgage repayments and the ongoing costs of maintaining and improving the building.

“As such, rents have been adjusted to reflect current market conditions and operational requirements.”

The management company said it has offered support for residents as over 20 per cent of tenant have agreed to new terms, with more than half of these agreeing to “discounted or reduces rates based on individual financial circumstances”.

On maintenance issues, Tri-Group said that the bin store has been a “recurring issue” due to fly-tipping and that monthly private clean-ups have been arranged, with a locking gate being investigated.