Is it now time to work with Shelter and Generation Rent?

Let’s face it, the debate surrounding Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions in the UK has become increasingly contentious, with media outlets and tenant activist groups condemning landlords for our supposedly arbitrary use of this legal provision.

However, it is crucial to shed light on the other side of the story and explore why we opt for ‘no-fault’ evictions and consider providing the genuine reasons for the eviction.

This balanced approach could lead to a more informed public discussion on this contentious issue.

Knowing that we are asking tenants to leave for anti-social behaviour, for example, would give most people a different take on the issue.

And that means working with Shelter and Generation Rent to understand why this situation comes about. Let me explain.

Legitimate and lawful mechanism to regain possession

The first step is to recognise that Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions offer landlords a legitimate and lawful mechanism to regain possession of properties.

But let’s clarify what Section 21 is. It’s a legal provision that allows landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason, as long as they give at least two months’ notice.

That doesn’t mean there isn’t a reason for the eviction – it’s a legal route that enables landlords to repossess quickly.

In many cases, landlords utilise this provision not out of ill will but as a safeguard against unforeseen circumstances.

Life events, such as the need to sell a property to finance other investments or retirement plans, can lead landlords to seek possession.

These circumstances are not malicious; rather, they are practical business decisions to secure financial stability.

Nonsense for Shelter to claim that tenants face being unfairly evicted

It is absolute nonsense for Shelter to claim that tenants face being unfairly evicted every 8 minutes this summer. And Generation Rent says it will be every 15 minutes.

These statistics are alarming – and to say that all s21 notices are ‘unfair’ is simply naivety. But are landlords really the villains here?

Contrary to the popular narrative, landlords do not wake up one day and decide to evict their tenants without reason.

We are, after all, running a business. Evicting a paying tenant means a loss of income until a new tenant can be found – a risk many landlords would rather not take.

Overlooks the fact that many landlords are hardworking individuals

The media’s focus on portraying landlords as solely profit-driven entities overlooks the fact that many are hardworking individuals or small-scale investors relying on rental income.

Tenants’ inability to meet rent payments can place a significant financial burden on landlords, leading to potential mortgage default or maintenance issues.

As such, Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions serve as a last resort to protect landlords’ livelihoods, a point that the media often fails to acknowledge.

Also, tenant anti-social behaviour poses serious problems for both landlords and neighbouring residents.

While eviction should always be a last resort, using no-fault evictions for such cases can provide a legitimate solution to protect communities from anti-social elements.

Providing a genuine reason for eviction

As landlords, we must also acknowledge that providing a genuine reason for eviction could lead to a more balanced media portrayal.

Transparently stating the grounds for eviction, such as selling the property or anti-social behaviour, may foster a better understanding of the challenges faced by both parties in the rental market.

It is unfortunate that tenant activist groups and media outlets have chosen to present a one-sided view of this issue.

For instance, the recent partnership between Co-op Bank and Shelter, as reported by Property118, might indicate a biased narrative against landlords.

By collaborating with an advocacy group, the bank may inadvertently contribute to a skewed portrayal of landlords as hostile and unscrupulous.

The demonisation of landlords

While it is crucial to protect tenants’ rights, the overemphasis on tenant victimisation can lead to the demonisation of landlords and disregard for their legitimate concerns. To many in the private rented sector, this has already happened.

I think the time has come for a more balanced approach to ensure a fair representation of both sides of the rental equation.

That means talking to tenant activist groups and helping people understand that section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions have a role to play in the UK rental market.

While it is essential to prioritise tenant rights and explore alternative measures to address rental issues, it is equally important for the media and tenant activist groups to present a balanced perspective.

By doing so, we can foster a more informed and constructive dialogue on the challenges faced by both landlords and tenants, ultimately leading to more effective and equitable rental policies.

Demonising landlords MUST end

I have tried to be balanced here but there needs to be a realisation that demonising all landlords as being unkind, ungenerous and willing to evict a family for little or no reason MUST end.

What Shelter and Generation Rent need to appreciate is that BOTH sides lose.

Let’s remember that every eviction has a story behind it – a story often untold in the media.

Landlords lose a reputation and income when they sell-up – and tenants lose a home and face higher rents.

To me, the solution lies in constructive dialogue and fair legislation that protects both landlords and tenants.

Fast forward just two or three years when the ridiculous Renters’ Reform Bill is made law and landlords leave en-masse – who will be blamed for there being no homes to rent then?

It won’t be landlords because we will be watching from the sidelines as the same tenant activist groups turn their fire on the government for the lack of homeless housing provision.

Until next time,

The Landlord Crusader

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