Labour’s ‘Change’ Manifesto: Abolishing Section 21 and setting energy efficiency standards

So, LLs are expected to pump in £1000s to improve a property’s energy efficiency on a property where there’s only a slim chance of ever being able sell it or move into it due to Labour’s PRS proposal’s!

After advice really. I am worried that Rayner will introduce emergency legislation to put a temporary ban on evictions on 5th July and until they can push through abolishing section 21, can she do this? We are small property owners, 4 flats. They were originally owned by the council and were in such a state they were condemned, My husband spent a lot of money and time making them liveable again, we are nearing retirement and ultimately we would not be in a position financially to continue with the upkeep of these properties (particularly) the looming EPC rules, they are older properties and band D so due to reduced income it would not be possible, so were looking to sell in the future. I am worried sick that we will be prevented from removing people or to move back in or sell, under a labour government.

Can labour really ban s21 on day one without any parliamentary process? If this is the case I’m seriously going to have to consider giving all my tenants notice before the election. I’m struggling with the prospect of not being able to sell my properties without having to rely on a court decision.

Reply to the comment left by Niknak Harris at 13/06/2024 - 14:50
I am afraid they can as have emergency power from old covid legislation which is still active and available to use so they will use this as they will claim there is a HOUSING EMERGENCY CRISIS. Really sorry but there are bad times for LLs ahead for at least 5 years.

Reply to the comment left by Crouchender at 13/06/2024 - 15:09
The fact they put IMMEDIATELY in their manifesto for S21 means they will do it with a few days of office

Same set of promises based on hatred of the landlord sector. Nobody sees this as a private business between landlord and tenant. What does it have to do with them? Many of the older properties like some of mine were brought back into use by hard work and investment. But many cannot be improved to EPC C standard. You cannot just add a bit of insulation to a block of flats. Labour councils did that in Tower Hamlets and we know what happened there. Policies born out of misguided hatred and disdain for those that can afford to do this. But with any action there is a consequence. If properties cannot be brought up to C standard landlords will sell. Rental sector looses stock and prices go up for the scramble to what is left. Their actions will do completely the opposite of what they want or think can happen.

All I read in their 'plan' is..
Security also means having a secure roof over your head. That is not the case for too many renting their homes privately. Labour will legislate where the Conservatives have failed, overhauling the regulation of the private rented sector. We will immediately abolish Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, prevent private renters being exploited and discriminated against, empower them to challenge unreasonable rent increases, and take steps to decisively raise standards, including extending ‘Awaab’s Law’ to the private sector.
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Immediately abolish? Unless they declare a 'national housing emergency' how can they do this exactly? Really going to be their first priority bearing in mind its not even listed in their 5 Missions nor 6 step plan....
Nothing about rent caps - only allow tenants to challenge 'unreasonable' ones (so no change to what the law says they can do anyway as it is!).
STEPS to raise standards - nothing immediate there then.

Reply to the comment left by Niknak Harris at 13/06/2024 - 14:50
not that it helps, but we are all in the same boat. Even if S21 is banned on 5th July you could still issue S8 G1?
A bit of a waiting game I think though in reality - again they may say immediately but Parliament is on summer recess so not sure what difference that makes?

done a bit of reading. The only 'comfort' I can take from this is that in Scotland when they had an eviction ban, it wasn't a TOTAL ban on every eviction....if Labour followed this to the latter in England then for rent arrears/LL selling then it can still be done.

Don't forget it would still take the tenant to challenge this. Not sure Legal Aid would apply for defence in cases of rent arrears or LL selling ???

Grounds to which the eviction enforcement ban did not apply
The eviction enforcement ban did not apply to certain grounds.

In any case, reasonableness must always have been considered. For example, the court or tribunal must have taken into account whether any arrears were caused by delays to the payment of certain benefits. We have guidance on considering reasonableness in rent arrears cases.

Private residential tenancies
The following grounds were not affected by the ban on eviction enforcement:

Ground 1A: Landlord intends to sell due to significant financial strain (a new temporary ground)

Ground 2: Property to be sold by lender

Ground 4A: Landlord intends to live in the property to avoid their own homelessness (a new temporary ground)

Ground 8: Not an employee

Ground 10: Tenant not occupying let property

Ground 12A: Rent arrears amount to 6 months or more worth of rent (a new temporary ground)

Ground 13: Criminal activity

Ground 14: Anti-social activity

Ground 15: Association with person who has relevant conviction or engaged in relevant anti-social behaviour [3]

Same old clap trap! Although Mr Osbourne didn't do us any favours?? Another set of clowns might be voted in UNLESS you don't vote for them? No political party does the renting marking any good. Tories have themselves to blame, again messing things up. Unless I'm mistaken.