Charities urge PM to deliver Renters (Reform) Bill

Charities urge PM to deliver Renters (Reform) Bill

11:10 AM, 17th October 2023, About A year ago 7

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A coalition of 30 charities and non-profit organisations has called on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to deliver the Renters (Reform) Bill and end Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions.

The group, led by homeless charity Shelter, say that the current system of Section 21 evictions is causing hardship and suffering for millions of tenants in England.

Section 21 evictions allow landlords to evict tenants with only two months’ notice, without having to give any reason or prove any wrongdoing.

However, one estate agent says that the Bill cannot become law without reform of the private rental sector (PRS).

Private renter receives a Section 21 notice every three minutes

According to recent research from Shelter, a private renter receives a Section 21 notice every three minutes in England, leaving them with little time and security to find another home.

The letter states that the coalition is ‘deeply concerned about the lack of progress of the Renters (Reform) Bill and adds: “Any delay to the Bill’s progress causes more avoidable hardship and suffering, and with it, greater cost to the taxpayer.

“Together we are calling on the Government to commit to progressing the Renters (Reform) Bill this Parliament, and to pass it into law as promised in the party’s manifesto.”

The Renters (Reform) Bill was announced in May but has yet to receive its second reading – and critics fear there won’t be enough Parliamentary time for the Bill to become law.

The banning no-fault evictions would be unfair

However, one estate agent in the North East is warning that the banning ‘no-fault’ evictions without wider reforms of the rental system would be unfair to landlords and tenants alike.

Ben Quaintrell, the founder and managing director of My Property Box, said he supported the government’s plan to scrap Section 21.

However, he said this measure should not be introduced in isolation and added: “I understand why charitable organisations are frustrated at the slow progress of the Renters (Reform) Bill and are now asking for an isolated ban on no-fault evictions, but this would have a knock-on effect if introduced without also introducing fair and balanced improvements to the wider system.”

He said that landlords who need to evict a troublesome tenant for legitimate reasons, such as anti-social behaviour, damage or long-term arrears, face a long and complicated process that can take more than six months.

A spokesperson for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, said: “The government will deliver a fairer private rented sector for tenants and landlords through the Renters (Reform) Bill, which will have its second reading in Parliament shortly.

“The bill delivers our manifesto commitment and will abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions to give tenants greater security in their homes.”


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Ian Narbeth

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14:50 PM, 17th October 2023, About A year ago

"[Ben Quaintrell] said that landlords who need to evict a troublesome tenant for legitimate reasons, such as anti-social behaviour, damage or long-term arrears, face a long and complicated process that can take more than six months."

In the case of anti-social behaviour the process is long but not always complicated. Neighbour or another tenant who has been victimised complains about the behaviour of the anti-social tenant. Landlord asks if they will make a witness statement and be prepared to give evidence in court. Many cases stop there as the victims are too scared. Even if they are prepared to proceed the anti social tenant may pressurise and threaten them.

I wrote about this here in the summer. Nothing coming out of Government or from the charities addresses the issues.

I cannot see how this circle can be squared. You either abolish section 21 or you help victims. You cannot do both.

NewYorkie

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15:21 PM, 17th October 2023, About A year ago

No tenant is ever evicted in 2 months. 12 months, maybe! Problem then is, they stop paying rent.

Andrew Mcgaulley

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17:10 PM, 17th October 2023, About A year ago

It would be good if they can produce the evidence to support their claim that "millions" of people are suffering hardship due to section 21.

Reluctant Landlord

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9:23 AM, 18th October 2023, About A year ago

'Section 21 evictions allow landlords to evict tenants with only two months’ notice, without having to give any reason or prove any wrongdoing'

S21 allows landlords to begin possession proceedings without the need to assign blame giving the tenant a minimum of two months clear notice.

Yes indeed. This is the law and it is applied as such.

Mick Roberts

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7:56 AM, 21st October 2023, About A year ago

Why do they always want stuff that makes it worse for renters:
My post on Linkedin:
https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7121385888630063104/

Well done Ben Beadle As much as u don't like it Generation Rent UK Shelter If u stop a person having THEIR property back, they won't lend that property out to start. Less houses = More rent. I can charge what I like, I have zero competition.
Make it too hard for us, we pack up. As daft as it sounds, make it easy for us, & in a year, you'll have loads of us fighting for tenants & begging u tenants to come in our house & asking What colour kitchen would u like? Would u like Bosch Or Vaillant boiler? Would you like first months rent free so u don't move in my competition's house down the road?
Or keep slaughtering us as u have done since 2015 & watch rents rise even more & supply go. We are human beings, individuals, not a charity or a Council. We charge what we like, if you stop that, you have less Landlords. It's very simple. Counter-intuitive to what you think, but look at the evidence. Your ways have made it worse for tenants. You help one tenant, you hurt the next 1000. I want competition, so my tenants can have a choice & leave me, so I can sell the houses & pack up.

Abolition of Section 21 – stay of execution
https://thenegotiator.co.uk/section-21-stay-of-execution-from-renters-reform-bill/

GlanACC

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11:22 AM, 22nd October 2023, About A year ago

Its being widely reported S21 will not be removed until the court system has been improved. That means S21's will still be used for the next 10 years at least

Crouchender

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12:30 PM, 22nd October 2023, About A year ago

Reply to the comment left by GlanACC at 22/10/2023 - 11:22
Err... Not when Labour get in with their 100 day renters plan! Expect to hear more from them in Nov as the PRS review from Hammersmith and Fulham Council leader reports to Rayner

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