Threats of homelessness loom over 80,000 homes due to legislation postponement
Delay in Abolishing No-Fault Evictions Causes Ongoing Tenant Insecurity and Homelessness
The much-anticipated scrapping of Section 21 no-fault eviction notices in England has been significantly delayed, causing concern among housing charities and renters alike. The Renters’ Rights Bill, aimed at abolishing Section 21, has not yet been enacted and is not expected to come into effect until at least 2025 or later.
This delay means that landlords continue to use Section 21 to evict tenants with just two months' notice and without providing a reason. As a result, around 11,400 households have been forcibly removed by bailiffs due to Section 21 evictions in the recent 12-month period, with nearly 1,000 households at risk of eviction every month the ban is postponed.
The delay is attributed to several factors. The previous Renters Reform Bill, which aimed to abolish Section 21, was dropped before the last election, forcing the current Labour government to start from scratch with new primary legislation called the Renters’ Rights Bill. This extensive Bill, spanning over 200 pages, will overhaul various aspects of the private rented sector rather than solely abolishing Section 21, making it a time-consuming process to pass through both Houses of Parliament.
Moreover, the Bill was not scheduled for introduction until autumn 2025, with implementation and full enactment projected for sometime after 2025, and additional months required for enforcement. Meanwhile, there are ongoing court delays and longer possession times for landlords seeking repossessions, but Section 21 remains the fastest route to evict tenants until the law changes.
The continued use of Section 21 eviction notices has led to stories like Kelvin's. Kelvin, a resident in a privately rented London house-share for three years, was unexpectedly evicted with no given reason. At the time of eviction, Kelvin was not given enough time to move all of his belongings out of the house-share before the locks were changed.
Kelvin spent time sofa-surfing after his eviction, while working to find a solution to his homelessness. He eventually found temporary accommodation at Your Place, a charity that helps people experiencing homelessness. Kelvin is currently residing at a peaceful accommodation provided by Your Place, where he can focus on his career and getting back on his feet.
Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link, expressed his concern about the delay, stating, "It is not right for someone to be evicted from their home for no reason with just two months' notice." Research from Homeless Link found that 84,650 households in England have faced eviction in the last five years.
The delay in abolishing no-fault evictions has contributed to increased homelessness, with homeless numbers peaking between April and June 2023, the period when the government introduced its renters' reform bill pledging to end the uncertainty hanging over private tenants. Those who the local authority doesn't have a duty to support often end up sleeping rough.
The Conservative Party pledged to scrap section 21 notices, which allow landlords to end tenancies at will with just two months' notice, but this legislation has yet to be enacted. The research published this morning serves as a stark reminder of the impact of evictions on individuals and the need for change in the private rental sector. Kelvin's story is a testament to the ongoing struggle faced by renters and the need for immediate action to end no-fault evictions.
