Fulham Tenant Evicted on Christmas Eve Still Without Belongings Amid Housing Dispute
A social housing tenant in West London has accused his landlord of evicting him from his home of 28 years on Christmas Eve and relocating him to an unfinished flat, where he claims he still lacks access to most of his belongings. David McGinty, 68, alleges that Co-Op Homes moved him into a property in South Fulham without working heating and that the experience has severely impacted his health, describing himself as being thrown on the "scrapheap."
Landlord Disputes Tenant's Account of Events
John Baldwin, Managing Director of Co-Op Homes, has contested Mr. McGinty's version of events. Mr. Baldwin stated that Mr. McGinty agreed to move on December 23 but declined on the day due to scheduling issues, leading to a rearranged move on Christmas Eve. According to Mr. Baldwin, after the relocation, a representative visited Mr. McGinty to demonstrate how to use the heating system, and the landlord is unaware of any repairs being necessary. He also emphasized that Mr. McGinty has been contacted multiple times to collect his stored belongings.
Background of the Relocation and Court Proceedings
Mr. McGinty was one of several tenants relocated from riverside flats on Carnwath Road in Fulham to make way for the demolition of the building. The block he lived in, along with an adjoining structure, is set to be knocked down and replaced under a development scheme that will construct nearly 270 new homes on the former Hurlingham Retail Park site. Mr. McGinty had previously resisted the move, citing concerns such as the loss of his river view and the quality of the new construction.
However, at Wandsworth County Court last summer, Deputy District Judge Anderson granted a possession order to Co-Op Homes, based on the condition that enforcement would not occur until the new flat was completed. Mr. McGinty was also ordered to pay costs of £7,500. Despite this, he claims the flat remains unfinished and unsuitable.
Ongoing Issues and Health Impacts
Since moving into the new property, Mr. McGinty has reported a series of problems, including a washing machine that flooded, rainwater seeping through the front door, and persistent noise from surrounding construction works. He lives with his ex-wife and has ADHD, stating that the stress from the situation has adversely affected his health. "This flat is not complete," he said. "It's not finished, and it's on an unfinished building site, which is not providing rest and respite for us at all. We are enslaved. We are trapped."
Dispute Over Belongings and Access
A major point of contention is the status of Mr. McGinty's belongings left in the old flat. He claims he was in the process of sorting through items before the eviction and is now concerned about their condition or whether they have been retained. He alleges that Co-Op Homes has itemized his possessions but refuses to provide him with a key to collect them, instead offering supervised access appointments. Mr. Baldwin explained that this policy is due to safety concerns in the empty building and because Mr. McGinty is no longer the legal occupier.
Mr. McGinty countered, saying, "They've sat on them. They've kept them. So they've confiscated my goods, including bicycles that I need for exercise and the tools of my trade, as an artist and a musician." He believes he should be given direct access to retrieve his remaining items.
Landlord's Support Claims and Tenant's Response
Mr. Baldwin outlined the support provided by Co-Op Homes, noting that keys to the new home were given on December 2, 2025, and that all relocated tenants received assistance, including new washing machines and help with familiarizing themselves with the heating system. He mentioned that goodwill visits were conducted at Mr. McGinty's request for tasks like fitting curtain rails and mounting a television. Regarding the belongings, Mr. Baldwin stated that an appointment to clear the loft was arranged for January 9, 2026, but Mr. McGinty declined and did not reschedule, leading to the items being cleared and stored locally on January 12 after legal notice was served.
Mr. McGinty, however, feels dismissed and disrespected, asserting, "We have a right to dignity, and a right to be treated with respect. We've just been thrown on the scrapheap for their profit. When they're saying 'we're making housing happen', it's at a cost, it's at a human cost, and of course they're all profiting. But there's no profit to us."
The new development is expected to be completed by winter 2026/27, leaving Mr. McGinty and other affected tenants in a state of uncertainty as the dispute continues.
