Anyone been evicted while pregnant?

[Harlequin1088]

I'm in the UK and have rented my house from my private landlord for some years.

Landlord has started acting strangely in our communications since I advised them I'm pregnant (just out of common courtesy really, not because they've ever demanded to know).

I know this might be the pregnancy hormones talking but I'm now very concerned that my landlord will try to evict me now that I'm pregnant. They seem to be very disapproving of my partner and I having a baby but that's not really their business, is it? House has more than enough bedrooms so it's not like overcrowding would be an issue.

Can anyone with knowledge or experience of this kind of thing please shed some light on where I'd stand legally if the landlord tried to evict us either now I'm pregnant or when the baby arrives?

Anyone?

I don't think you being pregnant has any bearing on the eviction process whuch, as far as I know, still involves Section 21, followed by Section 8, followed by court action, followed by eviction via high court officials. However, please check with Shelter - they'll be able to give you accurate information and hopefully offer some helpful advice.

Why did you tell them you were pregnant? If you've been a good tenant for years, what has it got to do with them?

What does your contract say? How much notice do they need to give you?

In a lot of cases landlords don’t actually need a reason to serve notice to tenants- as long as the notice period set out in the contract is respected.

Some landlords get a bit iffy with pregnancies/children. They’re probably a bit worried about potential damage to their property (ie wall stains).

Also, I believe that if you end up bring evicted, your local council will have to house you. However, it is important to wait to be evicted, rather than moving out voluntarily. Also, 'housing' could mean temporary, hostel type accommodation rather than an actual council property.

Have you actually spoken to your landlord? Your fears may be misplaced. I wouldn't jump from "they don't like my having a baby" to "they are going to evict me"...

I wouldn’t necessarily assume that the council owes you anything. If a tenancy is terminated within the conditions set out in the contract, it’s a legal termination of tenancy. This happens all the time and tenants are served with a notice period which gives them enough time to find alternative housing.
It would only be illegal if there’s a breach of contract (not enough notice period).

I would also check your contract. Some landlords have set out valid reasons to terminate a tenancy agreement but these can be as simple as a landlord requiring the use of its property back.

Your right to the property largely depend on how long you’ve been a tenant for.

Thank you all xx