A Mansfield man has stopped an unlawful eviction attempt affecting multiple tenants after seeking advice from Mansfield District Council's housing team and sharing what he learned with his neighbours.
Colin Clifton had been living in temporary accommodation since 2022 before being offered a supported living placement. Within two or three months, he said the standard of support declined. Repair issues including water leaks were not addressed, and when he asked for help finding his own home, he received no assistance.
In October 2025, Colin and his housemates received a text message from their landlord asking them to leave with less than a week's notice.
Council Advice on Eviction Notice Periods
Colin contacted Mansfield District Council's homeless team. The council advised him and other tenants that they could not be evicted without a minimum 28-day notice period. He then shared this information with everyone affected by the eviction notice.
"The council got in touch and told me (and everyone else) to stay there. They told me they can't kick me out without a 28-day notice. My landlord argued but I knew my rights and I stayed put," Colin said.
Colin credited the council's advice with protecting multiple residents from homelessness. "Without the council's help, I wouldn't have been able to fight against them and I wouldn't have a roof over my head now," he said.
Support Quality Matters, Council Says
Cllr Anne Callaghan, Portfolio Holder for Housing at Mansfield District Council, said supported housing providers must meet clear standards to operate as registered providers. The council works with these organisations to ensure adequate support is given and can take action where it falls short.
"People in supported living are looking for help to live independently, and they need support from responsible providers to do that," Cllr Callaghan said.
New Housing Provider
Colin now lives with Brightside Housing, a Community Interest Company working with Mansfield District Council to provide supported living. He said the standard of support has improved significantly.
"This is a much better house compared to what we had before. Everything gets sorted in good time," Colin said. He receives support with mental health, healthcare appointments, and job searching. As a single parent, he is working with Brightside staff towards securing his own home.
Kelly Smith, Service Manager at Brightside Housing, said the organisation treats residents as individuals rather than numbers. "It's not just about putting a roof over their head, it's about giving them the support they need to live independently," she said.