A family has been left homeless after returning to the UK from working away, only to find that their tenant won't leave.
Carna and Ganes Brooks, who have a one-year-old and a nine-year-old, have been sofa-surfing for more than four weeks after being locked out of their own home.
The couple gave their tenants more than enough notice, having told them back in February that they were moving back to the Kent property from Dubai.
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Although they initially said their moving date was set for May, asking them to vacate the house, they delayed their arrival until July as Carna needed to get cancer treatment.
But when they turned up on 19 July during the heatwave, the private landlords were unable to step foot in their property.
Carna, 39, said: "We called the police for sensible advice on the matter as we stood hopeless looking at each other.
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"My one-year-old was screaming in the heat, everyone was worried and during all the negotiations, my nine-year-old daughter got hit by a car in front of our home.
"Thankfully, she didn’t have major injuries, but it is a day we never wish upon anyone.
"The police were friendly and compassionate but couldn’t offer much help as by law we were trespassing if we attempted to enter our property.
"Thankfully a friend in the area offered to take us in at that moment to get us out of the sun and offered us a place to stay for a few nights."
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The Brooks said a Section 8 notice alerting the tenants that they wanted their home back by 28 June was ignored and claimed the occupants have fallen behind on their rent.
Carna said: "We are not receiving rent from the tenants as agreed, therefore are unable to rent another property for ourselves as we are covering a mortgage of a home someone else is living in."
Their court date for an eviction isn't until October, and a tenant must be given a month's notice to leave - meaning the earliest they'll be able to get home is November.
The mother-of-two is unable to look for a teaching job or get her daughter into school until they have a permanent address.
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Carna's oncologist has even written to the tenant explaining how important a 'stress-free environment' is for her recovery.
The family - who moved to the UAE in 2019 for a few years for work - are still living out of their suitcases, and up until two weeks ago all four of them were crashing on one sofa.
A friend has since launched a GoFundMe to 'help Carna put a roof over her family's heads', which has raised £2,400 of its £15,000 goal.
Despite the struggles, the couple are maintaining a positive outlook, and are grateful to those who have offered them a place to stay.
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"My husband is working night shifts to ease our sleeping arrangements," Carna added.
"We are also thankful for his employer and colleagues who are flexible and supportive during this time.
"However, our biggest prayer is just to live in our own home and for the tenants to find alternative accommodation as soon as possible."
Although the Brooks decided not to 'name and shame' the tenant, they have warned others who are renting to a third party to go through a letting agency.
The tenant, who remained anonymous, said: "This is hilarious. We have been paying rent for three years. We have been paying their mortgage for three years.
"Yes, it is their home. It is also our home for the last three years. We are paying them. I don't need to give you my side of the story."
Topics: UK News
Daisy Phillipson