DISMAYED residents of a Southampton social housing block fear “being made homeless” after each were slapped with a £4,000 repair bill – for a roof they don’t even live under.

People living at Rockstone Court have been told to cough up the money by operators Hyde Housing Group.

But stressed-out residents from the modern flats say the bill is actually for repairs on neighbouring Cranbury Terrace, a 19th century grade-two listed building.

Anton Klassen, 37, owns a property at Rockstone Court which he rents out while working in Bristol.

He said: “I think it’s just really unfair. I bought my flat 11 years ago and I knew we were responsible for Cranbury Terrace as well - but we weren’t told how old that building was.”

Another resident, who has lived at Rockstone Court for 20 years, added: “I just don’t know how I’m going to afford to pay it.

“I’m on incapacity benefit and living off £117-a-week including my mortgage, bills and council tax. My heart sank when I got that bill. I’m really worried about being made homeless.”

They say the dispute originally began in 2014 when Hyde Housing Group, which owns both buildings, informed residents of the need for roof works on Cranbury Terrace.

Hyde quoted a bill of £3,200 to each resident, but postponed the work, now expected to cost £4,000.

Mr Klassen said: “I’ve been fighting this for the last two years. It’s taken over my life.

“If I have to pay it I’ll have to re-mortgage my property and get another part time job, which will mean I will have less time to look after my disabled mother.”

Bevois ward councillor Derek Burke said: “It’s a very large amount of money, not only at this time of year, but at any time of year. I think they (Hyde Group) should see if there is any way round it or try and make other arrangements.”

Hyde, a not-for-profit-organisation, has defended the move, saying it notified residents of the need for works in October 2014.

Katerina Birkeland, home ownerships manager for the Hyde Group, said: “We would urge anyone who is having difficulties paying to contact us to discuss their individual situation.

“We took over the management of the building from another housing association in December 2013 and unfortunately the sinking fund was not as robust as we would have liked. We are working across our property portfolio to address this situation.”