Santa's helper evicted from home a week out from Christmas

David Meadows has donned the red and white suit as one of Santa's helpers every Christmas for the past 15 years.

However, the jolly sparkle has been dimmed this year after he received an eviction notice to be out a week before Christmas.

"I take full responsibility for the fact I'm behind in my rent," David said.

"I just think under the circumstances, I think a stay of execution, at least until the New Year."

David says he is working double shifts every day until December 24, and he doesn't have time to move out.

All he is asking for is a bit more time to make up for his mounting bills.

"We really need to shift to a negotiation and a recognition that sometimes life happens, sometimes you will fall behind," Tenants Union chief executive Leo Patterson Ross said.

In NSW, the minimum eviction period for renters is 14 days.

"That's very short compared to, for instance, in England where the notice period – or the rent arrears period – is more like two months," Ross said.

David initially tried to contact McGrath Estate Agents in Surry Hills, but his real estate agent was on leave.

So, A Current Affair stepped in and managed to get in contact with the real estate agent, who said a payment plan was available for David upon an agreement with the landlord.

David says he has now locked in a payment plan with his landlord.

Santa's helper will be home for Christmas.

STATEMENT FROM MCGRATH ESTATE AGENTS

McGrath Surry Hills, who manage the rental of this property, confirmed a payment plan had been offered to the tenant and subsequently approved by both the landlord and the tenant.

Under the legislation, it is their responsibility to notify the tenant when they are in arrears.