UK Britain, FIGHTING SCUM LANDLORDS WITH BRISTOL SOLNET by afed

UK Britain, FIGHTING SCUM LANDLORDS WITH BRISTOL SOLNET by afed

Bristol Solidarity Network (SolNet) has been running for around two years. In that time it 
has fought unfair bosses, won back stolen wages, sent corrupt landlords packing, 
confronted harassment in job centres, and supported people through work capability 
assessments (run by the notorious ATOS and Maximus). ---- The SolNet has been able to 
fight - and win - on a wide range of issues because the tactics they use easily adaptable 
to almost any situation where someone in a position of authority needs to be taught a 
lesson! Even just knowing that they are supported and listened to can help people gain the
confidence to fight back. From writing demand letters and attending meetings, to calling 
demonstrations, phone blockades and occupations, the network ensures that those directly
effected take the lead in the action.

One family who the network has been supporting came to them after 8 years of constant 
struggle against a slum landlord who's name they didn't even know! Their house had major 
damp issues, broken doors, almost no insulation and massive cracks in the walls and 
ceilings. Worst of all several family members had health issues related to the poor 
condition they were forced to live in. Unsurprisingly the council in Bristol had been 
useless, and despite making several visits to the property and deeming it a health hazard 
they stopped short of actually doing anything!

After chatting to the family the SolNet was able to establish what the tenants wanted. 
Together they were able to write a demand letter to the property manager, delivering it in 
one large group. This gave the manager a time frame for when the repairs were to be done. 
When these were not met the SolNet then organised with the family to demonstrate outside 
the letting agency, with information leaflets and blown up pictures of the property.

After this the Agency backed out of managing the property handed over all the details of 
the landlord, giving the family and the network the real target for action. To help keep 
the pressure up in the interim, the council was contacted and asked to look at the 
property again and made to give a deadline for the landlord to do repairs. This gave the 
SolNet time to track down the landlord and deliver a set of demands once more, this time 
detailing the full information about what repairs needed to be done and along with the 
cost given by three different builders.

When he then tried to evict the family, the network was there to give them advice about 
the eviction process and bring in the correct people to stop the eviction. With this in 
hand the family made the decision to sue their landlord at the same time as the SolNet 
carried on the fight. The family also put in time to help others in struggle as part of 
the network.

For it's part, Bristol SolNet launched a nationwide media campaign against the scum 
landlord. They were able to find several companies that he owned and publish contact 
details. After a day of getting calls, emails and general bad press the landlord called up 
Bristol SolNet saying he would do the repairs, and contacted one of the builders to get 
things working!

Joining Bristol's Solidarity Network the tenants were able to see first hand how a few 
committed people can pull a community together to make a big impact. This activity has 
helped empower everyone involved, giving them the courage to face those that oppress them, 
and the tools to win.

To get in touch:

Email: bristolsolidaritynetwork@riseup.net
Tel: 07871540233
Web: https://network23.org/bristolsolnet/
Twitter: @BristolSolNet
Facebook: BristolSolNet


https://afed.org.uk/fighting-scum-landlords-with-bristol-solnet/