Cath and John Roche received a Section 21 notice earlier this month
A couple who were given just eight weeks to vacate their home of 14 years have described a stranger’s offer to buy it for them as “a dream come true”.
Cath and John Roche, both blind since birth, were shocked earlier this month when they received a Section 21 notice from receivers after the landlords who owned their Blackpool home had their properties repossessed by the bank.
The Roches, who have lived together in Canada Crescent in Bispham for 14 years, each have guide dogs who are “used to the area” and said that relocating to a new, suitable home in two months would be impossible for them. Not only would they need to find a safe home, but also one that is appropriate for guide dogs Oakley and Jamie, reports Lancs Live.
John, 56, said: “I’m from Ireland, and I moved to Blackpool from Dublin in 2011 after Cath and I met on Facebook. I guess you could say it was a blind date!”
Cath’s guide dog, Oakley, is retired and while the couple have understandably chosen to keep him due to the “unbreakable bond between a dog and its owner”, her position on the waiting list for a new dog has been put on hold due to the uncertainty surrounding their living arrangements.
“The dogs are used to everything; every bump in the pavement and where crossings are, which places we visit and people we know like our neighbours,” John added.
“It just wouldn’t work for us have to live somewhere else through no fault of our own.”
The government’s impending ban on ‘no fault evictions’ through the Renters’ Rights Bill offers a ray of hope, but for John and Cath, it’s not yet set in stone. However, their fortunes may be about to change due to the generosity of a stranger.
After seeing John and Cath’s plight on ITV’s Granada Reports, guide dog trainer Karen Sweetman was moved to act. She reached out to the receivers and estate agents and has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise the £135,000 needed to purchase the couple’s four-bedroom house.
John said: “I was blown away by it. It would be a dream come true.” You can donate here.
Redbrick Survey and Valuation Limited, the receivers, have informed ITV that they have “paused” the property’s sale and are dedicated to assisting the couple during this period. The house remains on the market, with a note indicating it is suitable for investors since there is a “tenant in situ”.
A Redbrick spokesperson commented: “Issuing a Section 21 notice is the start of a process that typically takes several months. When Redbrick seeks possession of a property, we aim to engage with tenants compassionately, offering the flexibility needed to help them secure alternative living arrangements. This includes directing them to local support services for additional guidance and assistance.
“In our conversations with Mr and Mrs Roche, we have shared this information and remain committed to supporting them through this transition. We have paused the sale of the property and will reach out to Mr and Mrs Roche again regarding their arrangements.”
John and Cath revealed that their previous landlord, who owned “more than 200 properties in Blackpool”, had raised their rent from £700 to £900 about a year ago.
Should an investor snap up the property at the asking price of £135,000, they could be looking at a rental yield of eight per cent, significantly higher than the average of 6.7 per cent.
John expressed that he and his wife would be content to keep renting, although he does feel the property requires some improvements, including new windows. “We’ve never missed a payment in 14 years,” he added.