Tenants of St James' Estate in Southwark are facing displacement due to the conversion of their homes into Houses of Multiple Occupation (HMOs). The issue was raised during a Southwark Council Assembly meeting on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, by representatives of the St James' Tenants Association.
The tenants' deputation highlighted that 182 households are being displaced as their homes, previously managed by Notting Hill Genesis (NHG), have been sold to a group of investors. The sale has been completed, and the properties are now being re-let to Lambeth Council as temporary accommodation, with the intention of converting them into HMOs.
The tenants expressed concerns about long-term residents being forced to leave their homes, children having to change schools, and the overall uncertainty and distress caused by these developments. They are seeking support from Southwark Council to prevent this displacement and to hold NHG accountable. The specific plight of the St James' tenants was brought to the forefront through their deputation, as detailed in the Printed minutes of the Council Assembly meeting.
