London landlord seeking to double units in south London buildings [Video]

The proposed doubling of units within a south London rental property has sparked concern among existing tenants who fear they will be displaced.

The new owner of 145 Baseline Rd. W. wants to convert the five buildings that each contain three rental units on the main floor, into 30 total units by finishing the basements with three additional apartments.

“This is a renovation in real time,” tenant Courtney Crossen told the Planning Environment Committee (PEC) on Tuesday.

“The tenants living there currently pay a very affordable rate compared to today’s market,” explained Coun. Skylar Franke. “It would be extremely difficult for them to find comparable housing.”

However, a planning consultant for the landlord assured the committee that tenants would be temporarily moved into vacant units during the renovation and allowed to return at the same rent.

“We are committed to keeping all existing tenants on the property,” stated Jerzy Smolarek …