Eviction threat for 'ugly' Swedes' 'gypsy' yard

Published: 24 Jan 12 11:15 CET | Double click on a word to get a translation
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/38694/20120124/

A Swedish mother and her adult son are risking eviction from their rental house in a Stockholm suburb after the new landlord claims that they oppose planned renovations, that their yard is like a ”gypsy-camp” and that the two have a problem with their personal ”exterior”.

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”What he means to say is that we are ugly. Maybe we are a bit different, but this feels like discrimination,” said Anna Sundberg to newspaper Metro.

Anna Sundberg and her son have lived in the house for 27 years. Their problems began when a new landlord took over the property in 2009. Sundberg told the paper that the company wants her out so that they can renovate and give the house a luxury overhaul.

”It is all about profitability. They want us out to rent out to private companies and get paid more,” said Sundberg to Metro.

However, according to the the new landlord, Villa Nuovo, their major complaint is that they feel Sundberg is hindering the renovations by refusing the workmen entry.

Sundberg admitted that there have been discussions between her and workmen on the site, but repudiated that she had denied them access to her house.

In negotiations with the Swedish Union of Tenants (Hyresgästföreningen), who are supporting Sundberg with legal representation, Villa Nuovo argued that Sundberg and her son had disturbed the neighbours, a large property firm, as well as their clients. One of their complaints was the pairs' appearance.

”What I have said is that you should look neat and tidy. But this is above all about a tenant who has repeatedly refused workmen entry and thereby prevented renovations. And yes, it looked like a gypsy-camp when we took over the house,” Jan-Erik Wahlberg, Villa Nuovo CEO.

The Local/rm (news@thelocal.se)

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The comments below have not been moderated in advance and are not produced by The Local unless clearly stated. Readers are responsible for the content of their own comments. Comments that breach our terms and conditions will be removed.

18:23 January 24, 2012 by zooeden

Start looking for apartment now!!!

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23:29 January 24, 2012 by Hunner1210

Freedom > Opinion. The landowner should open his mind and close his case.

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01:58 January 25, 2012 by TheWatchman

I don't really agree with the wording of it 'gypsy camp', but what he implied by it seems fair. That it is extremely disorganized. How one could use appearance as a reason to kick them out is unfathomable. That's not a real reason.

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20:25 January 29, 2012 by arcticnick

I think this sounds like a typical example of Sweden's fascist regime.

Difference should be embraced. These folk are different.

Duh! They come from a different background, what do you expect?

We are not all necessarily 'beautiful', dumb and blond.

Just because they use their front yard as part of their rented dwelling (as is their legal right) should not mean that their contractual rights are ridden over, and used as an excuse for eviction.

This sounds, to me, like a prime example of stereotypical racism...''NIMBY'...Not in my back yard!'

Not everyone, thank goodness, is only interested in profit! Some people live in reality! In fact, most of us do, except most folk still try and pretend everything is just great, even (especially) when it's not.

This is a communist styled, fascist regime, with a different coloured badge.

Some of you need to stand up for your own, as well as other's rights, and grow a backbone! You are cowards and sheep!

'Jantelagen'? You should be ashamed!!

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