Caroline Kari, a 52-year-old lung cancer sufferer and former servicewoman from Acocks Green, Birmingham, suffered a heart attack after being served a Section 21 no-fault eviction notice on April 2, 2026. The eviction order came just weeks before the Renters' Rights Act abolished such notices on May 1, leaving her devastated and fearing for her life.
Heart Attack and Health Deterioration
Kari, who served in the Signal Corps military branch, has lived in her flat for five years. She told BirminghamLive: "I've had a heart attack since the eviction notice [and] was blue-lighted into Heartlands." She added: "It was just literally killing me. I've got so many health conditions already that this is just making things tenfold worse."
Diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022, Kari continues to battle the disease despite treatment and surgery. She also suffers from COPD, emphysema, and PTSD from her childhood and military service. "I've actually been starting to feel suicidal," she said.
No-Fault Eviction Under Section 21
The eviction notice, issued by estate agent Archer Bassett, required Kari to leave by June 12. Under Section 21, landlords do not need to provide a reason for eviction. The Renters' Rights Act, which came into force on May 1, 2026, banned such no-fault evictions, but Kari's notice was served before the ban took effect.
Kari described her fear: "I have nowhere to go. Physically I can't lift anything, so I physically cannot move out even if they do evict me. I'll end up leaving everything because I can't carry anything apart from myself. I have to have a stroller or walking stick to support my walking."
Council Response and Support
Kari said she contacted Birmingham City Council but felt she received little help: "I feel like I'm getting no help from anywhere. The council just seem to tick a box and pass you on."
A council spokesperson said: "We are very sorry to hear about Ms Kari's situation... Following contact from Ms Kari in April, our Private Rented Sector team engaged with her... Officers provided advice about the eviction process, discussed available support options... The case was then referred to Housing Options and a Housing Needs Assessment was requested." The council added it has liaised with the managing agents and will continue to support Kari.
ACORN's Support
Milo Price from community union ACORN said: "She needs to be kept in this home for the rest of her life. We will not be satisfied with any other result." The group aims to prevent Kari's eviction and ensure she can remain in her home.
Archer Bassett did not comment on the matter. Kari pleaded: "I just don't want this eviction to go ahead. I want to be left to live what's left of my life."
