RESIDENTS of a south London estate were in were left in shock yesterday when instead of a new annual contract the landlord gave them a two-month notice to leave.

Property developer Manaquel Company Limited had attempted to raise rents at Dorchester Court by up to 30 per cent in recent years.

But yesterday, instead of a new tenancy, the Herne Hill residents were handed Section 21 eviction notices with no reason given or alternatives offered.

The community, including the family of the estate’s ­gardener, who has been living at Dorchester Court for 21 years, is being supported by charity Generation Rent.

“Rent should not be allowed to rise by more than inflation,” the group said in a statement.

“Landlords should not be able to evict tenants just because they feel like it — and if they absolutely have to get their property back, they should reimburse the tenant for the cost of moving.”