A young family in north Edgbaston has described living in constant fear next to a Birmingham exempt accommodation property, alleging neighbours have been involved in drug taking and sex work — all captured on their doorbell camera. The couple, parents to two boys aged eight and ten, have compiled a dossier of disturbing footage showing suspected drug deliveries in the early hours and violent altercations.
Daily Ordeal on Shenstone Road
The family, who wish to remain anonymous, have lived on Shenstone Road for several years. Their nightmare began after a property nearby was converted into exempt accommodation — housing for vulnerable people funded by housing benefit, often with minimal oversight. The father, a full-time public services worker, said: "It's been a nightmare and it's hard to get anyone to take action."
The smell of cannabis, loud music at night, and constant antisocial behaviour have destroyed their quality of life. The final straw came when a visitor urinated over their bin and their car was damaged in a hit-and-run incident. "We can't let the boys play out front or in the garden at the moment because we can't be sure they are safe," the father explained. The children are regularly exposed to swearing, drug use, and threatening behaviour from visitors to the property.
Doorbell Footage Evidence
The family's doorbell camera has captured numerous incidents, including what appear to be drug deals in the early hours, verbal abuse, and physical fights. The footage has been shared with Birmingham City Council and local councillor Marcus Bernasconi, who has supported the family's complaints and highlighted their plight in council chambers. "This is a case that must not be ignored," said Bernasconi. "Families like these are suffering while the exempt accommodation sector remains largely unregulated."
Birmingham has become the national hotspot for exempt accommodation, with over 12,000 properties housing more than 32,000 people. The sector generates an estimated £400 million annually in public money, with providers claiming up to £400 per room per week in housing benefits. Critics argue that the system is exploited by landlords who provide minimal support while pocketing taxpayers' money.
Property Management and Owner
The property in question is managed by Twenty Fifth Avenue Ltd, a company that has seen its income skyrocket from £1.4 million in 2021 to £8.9 million last year following rapid expansion into Birmingham. Property owner Jayantilal Chouhan, 79, from Solihull, denied knowledge of any complaints when contacted by BirminghamLive. He stated that the property is properly managed, but the family's evidence suggests otherwise.
Exempt accommodation is meant to provide supported housing for vulnerable individuals, such as those with mental health issues or recovering from addiction. However, in practice, many properties operate with little oversight, leading to problems for surrounding communities. The family's experience is part of a wider campaign calling for tougher regulation of the sector.
Impact on the Community
The family's ordeal has affected not just their own lives but also the wider neighbourhood. Fly-tipping is common along Shenstone Road, and residents report feeling unsafe. The couple have considered moving but cannot afford to do so. "We love our home, but this is unbearable," said the mother. "We just want to feel safe again."
Local councillor Bernasconi has called for a licensing scheme for exempt accommodation properties, similar to houses in multiple occupation (HMO) regulations. He argues that current rules are insufficient to protect residents and communities. "The council needs to take a stronger stance," he said. "These properties are draining public funds while creating misery for neighbours."
Wider Context: Birmingham's Exempt Accommodation Crisis
Birmingham has the highest concentration of exempt accommodation in England, with a disproportionate number of properties in areas like Edgbaston, Handsworth, and Sparkbrook. A 2023 report by the Birmingham Equalities Review found that many providers were making huge profits while offering inadequate support. The sector is estimated to cost the UK taxpayer £1.6 billion annually, with Birmingham accounting for a significant share.
The family's case has been raised in the House of Commons, with local MPs calling for a national review. The government has announced plans to introduce tighter regulations, but campaigners say action is needed now. For the family on Shenstone Road, every day is a battle. "We just want someone to listen," the father said. "We have the evidence. We need action."
As the doorbell camera continues to record, the family hopes their dossier will finally lead to change — not just for themselves, but for countless others living next to exempt accommodation in Birmingham.
