Labour has warned that thousands of renters could be forced from their homes if the government fails to deliver on a promised ban on no-fault evictions in England. A new law ending the right of landlords to evict tenants for no reason with just two months’ notice was a Tory manifesto pledge and is due to be discussed by MPs on Monday. While ministers insist the bill will be passed, there are fears it will be watered down in response to a backlash from pro-landlord Tory MPs. Housing charities have warned delays risk “more avoidable hardship and suffering” and a “greater cost to the taxpayer”.
The Conservatives had promised “a better deal for renters,” including a ban on no-fault evictions under Section 21 of housing legislation, in its manifesto ahead of the 2019 general election. Although the Renters Reform Bill, which included this measure, was introduced in May, the delay in its return to Parliament has caused unease among MPs and housing charities. Labour’s analysis suggests that if the government does not pass the bill by the last possible date for a general election (28 January 2025), another 30,840 households face being threatened with homelessness through no-fault evictions.
The government has said it wants to reform and speed up the courts process so that landlords can quickly repossess their property if a tenant refuses to move out. The Renters Reform Bill would strengthen protections for tenants but also make it easier for landlords to repossess properties from anti-social tenants. A report in the Telegraph suggested that Tory MPs who owned rental properties were considering rebelling against the government over the bill. Research by 38 Degrees found that 87 MPs earned an income from residential property, of which 68 were Conservatives.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has warned that “uncertainty” over the future of the bill has made it “difficult for landlords and renters to plan for the future.” NRLA chief executive Ben Beadle said MPs and peers would need to ensure that the legislation secures the confidence of landlords as well as tenants. “Should the bill fail to secure the confidence of landlords, the shortage of homes will only worsen, ultimately hurting renters,” he said
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