Government to consult on reforming eviction process for privately rented tenants
Private landlords should be aware that the government has proposed new plans to consult on the abolition of section 21 evictions. Currently, landlords are able to evict tenants at short notice without reason, using the section 21 process.
The government is proposing instead to improve the court system to ensure landlords with legitimate cases are more speedily able to evict tenants in the private rented sector.
James Brokenshire, the Housing Secretary, says that the forthcoming Government consultation will be “the start of a longer process” to introduce reforms. In his statement he said:
“The private rented sector has changed dramatically in the last twenty years, and the sector needs to keep pace with these changes. The number of people who live in the private rented sector has doubled, and it is home to more families with children and older people. These households need stability and security in their home”.
“The current legislative framework leaves tenants feeling insecure. They can be asked to leave their homes, with as little as two months’ notice, without the landlord providing any reason, using eviction proceedings under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. This sense of insecurity can profoundly affect the ability of renters to plan for the future, to manage their finances or to put down roots in their local communities”.
The Residential Landlords Association estimates that if the reforms do take place, it will cost landlords an additional £1000 to evict a tenant using the court process. They also warn of a reduction in properties being available for rent, and higher rents for those that remain, as landlords may choose to sell up if there is no suitable no fault eviction process available.
Posted on 04/28/2019 by Ortolan
