Family faces homelessness after parents' death

A family of four in Bristol is at risk of homelessness after a housing association denied them tenancy of a property following the death of the husband's parents. Mario and Leoni di Blasi moved into Mario's mother's home in Wedmore Vale in 2022 to provide care after his father's death. Weeks after his mother passed away in March 2025, they were informed the tenancy could not be transferred to them.

Brighter Places, the housing association, stated that while the case was reviewed carefully, they must adhere to policies for fair allocation. The di Blasis, whose parents had lived in the property since 2005, expressed distress, with Mario reporting he is signed off work due to stress. The association's policy indicates no automatic right to succession if the deceased was already a successor, although discretionary succession is considered case-by-case. The family claims their needs did not meet the criteria.

The family has initiated a legal challenge against their eviction, with a court date set for August 18. They describe the property as their home and a safe place, now feeling it is being taken away. They have been advised by the housing association to contact Bristol City Council. Representatives from the renters union ACORN are supporting the di Blasis, emphasizing the lack of compassion shown during a difficult grieving period.