TENANTS union Living Rent is calling for residents in Govanhill to support a mum and toddler they claim could lose their home.

The union says Marta, who asked for her surname not to be used, was given only four weeks notice to leave - despite coronavirus legislation mandating tenants must be given six months warning.

But her landlord strongly denies this is the case and says the mum-of-one has built up £4000 in rent arrears and overcrowded the property.

Now tenants union Living Rent is asking local residents to support the family by holding a socially distanced demonstration at the flat.

Marta, who disputes the amount of arrears due, said: "Our family is very scared about losing our home. 

"The eviction letter came as a real shock because we have done nothing to deserve this treatment. 
"My daughter is only two-years-old so I don’t know how we will cope."

Marta and her family of four received a letter from landlord Amina Hussain on March 22 informing them the property had been sold and telling them to leave within one month.

The minimum notice required under Scots law to evict a tenant under a Private Residential Tenancy Agreement due to the sale of the rented property is currently six months, set out in the Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020.

As the law stands, even if a tenant is in arrears, a legal process must be followed before they can be evicted. 

But the Glasgow Times spoke to the property manager who said Marta has not paid any rent for the past eight months, leaving her £4000 in rent arrears.

He said the property is a small studio flat, which she rented as a single person with her toddler but has since moved two other adults into the property.

The manager said that without the rental income, Ms Hussein cannot pay the mortgage and the flat is being sold to stop it being repossessed.

He added that Marta had been offered an alternative property on Prince Edward Street on the condition she agree to start paying her rent and pay off her arrears, but she turned this down. 

Now more than 50 local residents have volunteered to help in resisting the eviction and are on standby in case steps are taken to move the family from the property.  

Today at 6pm, a group of residents plan to come together in a demonstration of solidarity with Marta’s family. 

Meeting at the grass common next to Chapman Street, the demonstration will display messages opposing the eviction and will rehearse strategies for eviction resistance. 

All participants have been asked to wear masks and social distancing measures will be upheld throughout.

Living Rent member Matt said: "We're in the midst of a pandemic. 

"Giving a family one month's notice to leave their home is not just illegal, it’s totally heartless. 

"The response from Marta’s neighbours has been massive though and that gives us hope. 

"The Govanhill community is resilient. 

"We’ll resist the eviction by any means necessary."

Local councillors have been invited to attend Thursday’s demonstration, as has Ms Hussain.