In a recent development, the UK government announced an indefinite delay on the ban of “no-fault” evictions in England. This delay is linked to the need for substantial reforms within the court system, which the government deems vital before implementing the ban. The Renters Reform Bill, which aims to put an end to no-fault “Section 21” evictions, was first published in May and has been debated in the Commons. This decision has sparked a political debate, with critics accusing the government of stalling on much-awaited legal reforms.
The government has been pledging to terminate the right of landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason since 2019. Under the current housing legislation, known as Section 21, landlords can evict tenants not on fixed-term contracts without giving a reason. Tenants typically have two months to vacate their home before a court order for eviction can be pursued.
Proposed Changes
The Renters Reform Bill, if implemented, would transform all tenancies into “rolling” contracts with no fixed end date. However, landlords would still have the ability to evict tenants in specific situations, such as selling the property or needing it for personal or family use, after six months. Additionally, the bill would facilitate landlords in repossessing their properties in cases of anti-social behaviour or repeated non-payment of rent.
The Delay and Controversy
Housing Secretary Michael Gove asserts that it is crucial to reform the court system before implementing the Section 21 ban. This includes moving more processes online and creating a more efficient process for prioritising cases, particularly those involving anti-social behaviour. The government, however, has not provided a clear timeline for when these reforms will be completed.
Labour’s shadow housing secretary, Angela Rayner, and other critics argue that these court reforms could take years to complete, leaving thousands of renters vulnerable to eviction in the meantime. Rayner accuses the government of betraying renters with a “grubby deal” to avoid conflict with Conservative MPs who oppose the ban.
Reaction and Concerns
Campaign groups like the Renters’ Reform Coalition express frustration, calling the delay an “absurd” requirement. They question the government’s actions since it had promised to end no-fault evictions in 2019. Data from the Ministry of Justice indicates a 41% increase in no-fault evictions in England between April and June this year compared to the same period in 2022.
Furthermore, concerns have arisen that Conservative MPs who own rental properties might consider rebelling against the government’s proposed reforms. Research by campaign group 38 Degrees found that a significant number of MPs, including 68 Conservatives, earn income from residential properties. The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) warns that the uncertainty surrounding the bill’s future could make it difficult for landlords and renters to plan ahead.
The indefinite delay in implementing the ban on “no-fault” evictions in England raises questions about the government’s commitment to addressing this long-standing issue. While court system reforms are deemed essential, critics argue that the timeline for these changes is unclear, leaving tenants at risk. The Renters Reform Bill is expected to face further debate in the Commons, with the outcome of these discussions being crucial to the future of tenant-landlord relations in the UK. If you are interested in discussing anything in this article or would like to chat to the Landlord & Tenant Law team, please call us on 01603 677077 or email info@spiresolicitors.co.uk
