A landlord in northern France has taken drastic steps to evict tenants by removing the windows and doors of their rental property, leaving them vulnerable to the harsh winter weather.
This unusual tactic seems to be an attempt to circumvent French laws that forbid evictions during the colder months.
The events happened in Pas-de-Calais, a region in northern France, where a mother and her child were left in a desperate situation just days before Christmas. On December 20, workers arrived at the property under the guise of replacing doors and windows.
However, the tenants allege the workers simply removed the fixtures, loaded them into a vehicle, and disappeared. Now, the family is exposed to freezing temperatures and vulnerable to potential intrusions.
The tenant, speaking to TF1 Info, described her situation as dire. After multiple failed attempts to contact the landlord, she was forced to use cardboard to block the openings in her home. “I’m too terrified to leave,” the tenant admitted, explaining how she now spends all her time indoors, fearing for her safety.
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When contacted by French media, the landlord admitted responsibility, citing unpaid rent and other alleged breaches of agreement as the reason for their actions. “She owes me five months’ rent and failed to insure the house, as we had agreed,” the landlord told France Info.
Despite the landlord’s grievances, their actions are deemed unlawful under French housing regulations. The French Homeowners’ Association acknowledged the frustration landlords face in such situations but emphasized that removing doors and windows to force tenants out is entirely illegal.
The tenant has since filed a legal complaint for breach of trust and is actively seeking social housing to escape the unsafe living conditions. Meanwhile, the case has sparked outrage, shedding light on the challenges landlords and tenants face under France’s stringent winter eviction laws.
Authorities are now investigating the incident, with legal experts warning landlords against resorting to illegal tactics. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to legal frameworks, even in challenging rental disputes.
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