The landlady of a city property has hit back at a woman's claims she charged "extortionate" rent and contributed to her becoming homeless.

Live-in landlady, Lisa Kavanagh has refuted claims made by Rachel Benham - who had a short-lived tenancy at Lisa's house of multiple occupancy (HMO) claiming the rent was "extortionate" at £1,000 a month.

However Lisa, who owns the property in Old Laundry Court, has hit back saying Rachel's claims are "completely fabricated".

The 66-year-old said: "The rent - which was £620 and not £1,000 a month - covered all household bills and an extremely large furnished bedsit, sharing the rest of the house, storage for all her furniture, plus two large cupboards in the kitchen, as well as garage space for a bicycle.

Lisa Kavanagh, 66, is a land lady for a property at Old Laundry CourtLisa Kavanagh, 66, is a land lady for a property at Old Laundry Court (Image: Lisa Kavanagh)

"I had to give notice, as Rachel was convinced I was letting illegally.

"Norwich City Council even called to oversee the eviction - I don't know what more they could have done.

"I'm sorry if Rachel thinks she's been let down but I've helped many people from becoming homeless and desperately tried to give her a home too."

Lisa is a live-in land lady at a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) in Old Laundry CourtLisa is a live-in land lady at a house of multiple occupancy (HMO) in Old Laundry Court (Image: Google Maps)

Prior to living in the HMO Rachel was initially threatened with homelessness after having to leave her home, in Heigham Street, in December last year due to damp and mould.

The 50-year-old said she's one of many victims of a "national housing crisis" and added there were "persistent challenges and walls" put in front of her when trying to seek help from the council.

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Norwich City Council has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.

Rachel Benham, 50, claims she was evicted from the HMO for a list of petty 'offences'Rachel Benham, 50, claims she was evicted from the HMO for a list of petty 'offences' (Image: Rachel Benham)

Rachel has stood firm on her claims, saying: "Lisa made living in the property unbearable so people were left with no option but to leave, or be evicted for petty infringements.

"She would bombard me with texts about minor issues while I was at work as well.

"There were safety problems around the house, like overloaded plug sockets blocking exits which would cause fire safety issues.

"She's abusing the system for her own gain."