Derek Richards, a 76-year-old resident of Cheltenham, has been locked out of the garage he rented from Cheltenham Borough Council following his refusal to pay rent due to a persistent roof leak. The garage, located at Selkirk Gardens near Pittville Circus, has been at the center of an ongoing dispute stemming from the council’s increase in rent and the unresolved issue of a water-damaged, asbestos-containing roof.
Richards explained, “They increased the rent, and I told them to fix the roof first; otherwise, I wasn’t going to pay anymore.” After he stopped his rent payments, Cheltenham Borough Homes—acting on behalf of the council—changed the locks, effectively repossessing the garage. Richards was surprised by this action, stating, “I left the garage open so they could inspect it properly, but then they locked it up.”
He had moved his Ford Granada out of the garage due to the leaking roof, but unfortunately, the car was stolen from outside his home about eighteen months ago. Richards stored various tools and drills in the garage, many of which were damaged or lost during the forced move.
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“It’s been a nightmare,” he said. “It’s ruined a lot of valuable items, and having to move everything with help was frustrating.” Concerned about health risks, Richards had a fragment of the roof tested at Smith’s laboratory, which confirmed the presence of white asbestos. He worries that other renters may be exposed to this hazard, particularly since the asbestos-containing roof remains in place.
The council acknowledges that asbestos is common in garages of this age but asserts that the risk remains low unless the material is disturbed. A Cheltenham Borough Council spokesperson stated that rent nonpayment led to the termination of Richards’ tenancy and the repossession of the garage. They emphasized the importance of continued rent payments even amid ongoing repairs and communications.
“The ‘garage tenancy at will’ agreement clearly states that any vehicles or contents kept in the garage are stored at the tenant’s own risk,” the spokesperson added. “Despite efforts to resolve the issue amicably, nonpayment of rent forced us to take back possession.”
As of now, Richards hopes the council will address the roof’s condition and allow him to continue renting the garage, citing concerns for his safety and the wellbeing of other tenants.