Evictions from Belvedere,
mobile homes start today
BELVEDERE--Non payment of rent over an extended period of time and illegal subletting are the cause of several evictions that start today from the Belvedere Housing Project and the mobile homes managed by St. Maarten Housing Development Foundation (SMHDF).
The evictions are based on judgement handed down by the Court of First Instance in favour of the housing foundation based on proof of non payment of rent and illegal subletting.
Foundation Director Michael Fowler said it is preferred not to carry out evictions but the phenomenal outstanding payments or rent and high number of subletting are a major threat to the viability of the foundation.
Evictions are a consequence of long and effortless attempts by the foundation to reconcile the arrears in rent or countless requests and to vacate homes, whose inhabitants do not have a lease agreement with the foundation.
Fowler said it is known that from time to time tenants will suffer financial setbacks but it is of vital importance, as well as encouraged by SMHDF that tenants, who run into such difficulties should communicate this to the office and make acceptable payment arrangements.
Residents are also reminded that one payment on the evening of eviction will not deter the eviction process. As a non-profit foundation, SMHDF is solely dependant on the rental income for its operational activities, maintenance and repair services that have to be rendered to its complying tenants in an optimum fashion. Therefore, it is of crucial importance that payments of rents are carried out in time.
The foundation recognises that the ultimate measures of evictions are causing considerable disruptions in the lives of those who are evicted. “Simultaneously, every one should be aware that evictions of tenants are not an unexpected phenomenon.”
After a long process of reminders to payment, warnings and invitations to enter into a paying arrangement with SMHDF, the eviction is the last resort to settle the account with tenants.
“We always continue encouraging our tenants to enter into a settlement agreement in time with SMHDF. Once the proceedings have been put in motion in court, there will be only one alternative to avoid continuation thereof, which is the settlement in full of all arrears with SMHDF.”
“Equally, we have noticed that more and more people are residing illegally in some of our rental units. It should be noted that we consider their occupancy illegal. This practice must be discontinued,” he stated.
Allowing subletting a neutral housing allocation system is endangered, Fowler pointed out. “Subletting cannot replace housing priorities established through a housing allocation point system. Therefore, SMHDF is issuing a serious warning to all these persons to vacate these premises as soon as possible.”
