Agent claims tenant campaigners intimidated him and his family

A letting agent has told The Neg how he has been “intimidated and bullied” by campaigners over the eviction of a tenant.

Michael Claxton, a director at Norfolk Property Lettings & Management based in Norwich, says he has been visited at home by ‘activists’ from Acorn, the renters union.

Protestors chanting slogans have also gathered outside the agency’s office demanding compensation for an evicted tenant (pictured)

“There has been a long campaign by Acorn attacking us,” Claxton says.

“They have been threatening me and my wife and visited my home.” He says five men from Acorn appeared on his home doorstep one evening just before Christmas demanding money.

“The way they are pursuing me and my family is disgusting. Other agents need to know about this,” he adds.

£3k arrears

Claxton says tenant Jawad Iqbal was evicted from a flat in Norwich last year after falling into rent arrears totalling £3,000 and refusing to keep up with payments.

Iqbal had agreed to leave the flat anyway, Claxton says, because he wanted somewhere with a garden he could share with his wife.

But Acorn is arguing that Iqbal was evicted so the rent could be hiked, as the flat has now been let at £1,200 per month when he was only paying £795.

Acorn Tweeted a picture of a protest outside Norfolk’s office earlier this week, where they claimed water was thrown on them. Claxton denies any water was thrown.

The Tweet included these comments: “NPLM professional response? Throw water on us in -1c weather.”

A spokesperson for Acorn says: “We strongly refute and will challenge the accusation that we have been intimidating anyone at NPLM.

“We have taken lawful action in the public interest after our member, Jawad, and his family were evicted from their home.”

Picture: @AcornNorwich