When Network Rail sold over 5,000 viaduct arches to US company Blackstone in 2019, there were 3,745 tenants holding original British Rail/Network Rail leases. Blackstone are the world’s largest asset managers and this removal of the protections and rights afforded by the Landlord and Tenant Act effectively delivered the arch tenants into the hands of a relentless and predatory money making machine. As part of the sale, Blackstone/the Arch Co. were also requested to develop a Tenant’s Charter, where they claim to “put tenants first” and suggest they act as accessible and responsible landlords, providing a thriving business environment and creating a positive social and economic impact. A scheduled inspection process, treating each tenant equitably, with respect and actually carrying out proactive safety related maintenance should be the very minimum expected from a responsible landlord. Please donate to Brixton Buzz To ensure editorial independence, Brixton Buzz accepts no advertising, sponsorship or funding.