Key Points
- Bolton at Home, now rebranded as Be One Homes, has issued an apology to residents in Westhoughton following their eviction from properties, leaving them worried about future housing.
- The housing provider admitted they "could have done better" in handling the situation, as highlighted in social media posts linking to the primary report.
- Residents received Section 21 eviction notices despite claims of doing nothing wrong, with concerns raised over rents and landlord communication.
- Be One Homes manages around 19,000 homes across Bolton and beyond after merging with Arcon Housing Association in 2024, with the rebrand effective from April 2026.
- Local community groups on Facebook, such as Our Westhoughton, have publicly called for responses from Be One Homes regarding the evictions.
- The incident has sparked discussions on social media about apologies and potential rehousing offers for affected residents.
Westhoughton (Bolton Today) May 5, 2026 - Be One Homes, formerly known as Bolton at Home, has apologised to evicted residents in Westhoughton after leaving them concerned about their housing future. The housing association acknowledged shortcomings in their process amid backlash from the community.
What Led to the Evictions of Westhoughton Residents?
Residents in Westhoughton faced sudden evictions via Section 21 notices issued by Bolton at Home, now Be One Homes. As posted by the Our Westhoughton Facebook group,
"Some local residents of Bolton at Home (Be One) have been issued Section 21 notice evictions. They have done nothing wrong. Rents are up to date."
The group further questioned the lack of response from the landlord, demanding details such as the "landlord's full name and address." This incident highlights tensions between social housing providers and tenants in the area.
No specific journalist name is attributed in the community posts, but they reflect widespread local concern reported on May 5, 2026.
Why Did Be One Homes Apologise?
Be One Homes issued the apology after residents were left
"worried and concerned about where they were going to live,"
According to the lead coverage. A Facebook post from The Bolton News stated,
"'They have admitted they could have done better'"
linking directly to the article.
The provider recognised flaws in their eviction handling, prompting the public remorse. This admission came amid community outcry on platforms like Facebook.
As part of broader coverage, another post noted that
"the residents... who faced eviction are to be offered an apology."
Who Is Be One Homes and What Is Its History?
Be One Homes is the rebranded entity of Bolton at Home, following a merger with Arcon Housing Association on March 31, 2024. According to their official announcement,
"We’re excited to confirm that Bolton at Home is now Be One Homes. Our new name reflects a renewed commitment to delivering better homes, better services and a better everyday experience."
The rebrand became official in April 2026, with the company now managing approximately 19,000 properties in Bolton and surrounding regions. Bolton at Home originated as an Arms-Length Management Organisation (ALMO) owned by Bolton Council before becoming a housing association in 2011.
A LinkedIn update from Be One Homes explained,
"We’ll officially become Be One Homes in April 2026. Until then, we’ll still legally be known as Bolton at Home."
How Has the Community Responded?
Local residents and groups expressed outrage over the evictions. The Our Westhoughton Facebook page urged,
"Be One Homes can we please get a response?"
detailing the Section 21 notices and tenants' innocence.
Community sentiment focused on the distress caused, with calls for better communication. A post celebrated potential remedies:
"Thankfully the residents of the social housing in our community who faced eviction are to be offered an apology and they will be offered..."
These reactions underscore demands for accountability from the housing provider.
What Are Section 21 Eviction Notices?
Section 21 notices, often called "no-fault evictions," allow landlords to reclaim properties without cause under certain conditions. In this case, as reported by Our Westhoughton, they were served to Westhoughton tenants who claimed compliance with rent obligations.
This mechanism has been controversial in social housing, contributing to tenant uncertainty. The evictions here align with such notices, sparking the apology.
When Did the Rebrand from Bolton at Home Occur?
The transition to Be One Homes followed the 2024 merger, with a gradual rollout starting in 2025. Be One Homes stated, "Since merging with Arcon Housing Association in 2024, we’ve grown."
Full legal change happened in April 2026, as per their LinkedIn post: "Our new name, Be One Homes, will legally change in April 2026." Inside Housing reported the plan in 2024: "Bolton at Home... will become Be One Homes as of April 2025."
What Improvements Has Be One Homes Promised?
The apology signals a commitment to better practices. Their website emphasises support:
"You can report an emergency repair or antisocial behaviour at any time."
Post-merger, they aim for "better homes, better services," per official statements. Community posts suggest rehousing offers may follow the apology.
Are There Similar Housing Issues in Bolton?
Past complaints involve Bolton at Home, such as a Housing Ombudsman case on noise and complaints causing distress. A 2012 judicial review addressed ASB-linked refusals.
Recent unrelated evictions, like a farmer's case by Bolton Council, highlight regional tensions. Westhoughton development opposition by councillors points to infrastructure strains.
What Happens Next for the Residents?
While specifics are limited, the apology implies potential remedies like rehousing. Social media hints at offers post-apology.
Be One Homes' contact centre closure notice on May 4, 2026, directs emergencies to out-of-hours lines, showing ongoing operations. Residents await further action amid the May 5 coverage.