NO-FAULT EVICTION BAN DELAY RAISES CONCERNS FOR TENANTS AND LANDLORDS

Tuesday October 24, 2023

The government has announced an indefinite delay in the implementation of a ban on “no-fault” evictions, citing the need for court system reforms. This decision has drawn both support and criticism, with political parties expressing their opinions on the matter.

Since 2019, government ministers have been making commitments to end the right of landlords to evict tenants without providing a specific reason, which is commonly referred to as “no-fault” eviction. Housing Secretary Michael Gove has underscored the importance of updating and improving the court system before enacting this ban. This delay raises questions about the timeline for these crucial reforms and their impact on the rental market.

The proposed Renters Reform Bill, which aims to ban no-fault “Section 21” evictions and was first published in May, has been the subject of a recent debate in the House of Commons. This bill is part of the government’s plan to provide a “better deal for renters,” as promised in their 2019 election manifesto. However, concerns have arisen regarding whether there will be sufficient time for the bill to navigate the parliamentary process before the next election.

The debate over the Renters Reform Bill has highlighted the need to strike a balance between the interests of tenants and landlords. Housing Secretary Michael Gove emphasized the importance of a fast and efficient court system for the success of the new regulations, acknowledging issues with the existing system, especially regarding student housing.

The justice system has played a central role in the debate, with several responses reiterating the need to make the courts fit for purpose before abolishing Section 21. The government remains committed to this move, aiming to prevent bad landlords from intimidating tenants, silencing complaints about poor housing standards, and avoiding necessary repairs.

Despite these intentions, Labour has voiced its concerns over what it terms a “grubby deal” between the government and some Tory MPs. They argue that this delay effectively pushes the ban on “no-fault” evictions into the distant future, leaving renters in a precarious position. Labour has indicated that it will work with the government on the bill but will also push for further strengthening of tenant protections.

One issue that has come to the forefront is the need for more transparency from MPs who are landlords. The Liberal Democrats have called for Tory MPs who are landlords to reveal if they have ever used a Section 21 notice against their tenants. This call is aimed at providing greater transparency regarding the potential motivations behind opposing the ban on such evictions.

The debate in Parliament has also seen differing opinions from Conservative MPs. Some argue that banning no-fault evictions will make the rental market stagnant and lead to a decrease in rental properties. Others believe that it is necessary to protect vulnerable tenants and maintain the quality of rental properties.

The fate of the Renters Reform Bill and the ban on “no-fault” evictions remains uncertain, and the issue will continue to be a subject of debate in the coming months. The bill has passed its first reading and will be carried over for further consideration after the King’s Speech on November 7th.