Citizens Advice has expressed concerns over the potential exploitation of loopholes in newly introduced legislation designed to protect tenants, warning that unscrupulous landlords may continue to evict renters “by the backdoor.” The charity reported a record number of people seeking assistance with eviction issues last month, underscoring the need for robust measures to safeguard tenants.
In May alone, Citizens Advice provided support to nearly 2,000 individuals dealing with so-called no-fault evictions, marking the highest monthly figure on record and a 25% increase compared to the same period last year.
The much-anticipated Renters’ (Reform) Bill, presented to Parliament last month, aimed to fulfil a Conservative manifesto pledge from 2019 to abolish Section 21 (no-fault) evictions. This provision currently enables landlords to quickly remove tenants without stating a reason. The government asserted that the proposed changes in the bill would “empower renters to challenge poor landlords without fear of losing their home.”
However, apprehensions have been raised due to the reforms concurrently strengthening landlords’ rights to evict tenants for antisocial behaviour. The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities stated that the bill would expand the classification of “disruptive and harmful activities” that could lead to eviction.
Furthermore, under the new legislation, notice periods will be reduced for renters deemed “irresponsible,” such as those who violate their tenancy agreements or cause damage to the property, according to the government.
The bill also seeks to outlaw landlords and agents from implementing blanket bans on renting to benefit claimants or families with children, while introducing quality standards for private rented accommodation for the first time.
Citizens Advice emphasized the necessity for watertight reforms, citing concerns that landlords might employ exorbitant rent increases as a means to force tenants out. The charity’s research revealed that less than 10% of renters who contested a rent hike were successful.
The organization has called for an extension of the period during which new tenants are protected from no-fault evictions, proposing an increase from six months to two years. Additionally, measures are needed to prevent landlords from swiftly re-letting properties they claim to be selling.
Matthew Upton, a spokesperson from Citizens Advice, commented, “Our advisers are increasingly hearing from renters who are being forced to uproot their entire lives after receiving a Section 21 notice. For too long, renters have lived in precarious situations with few protections while landlords have held all the cards.”
He continued, “Reforms to the private rental sector are welcome, but they’re open to abuse from unscrupulous landlords. The government must ensure reforms are watertight and not include loopholes which allow Section 21 evictions to continue by the backdoor.”
Responding to the concerns raised, a government spokesperson stated that any attempts to circumvent the law would not be tolerated, and the proposed reforms would prevent Section 21 from being replicated through rent hikes.
The spokesperson added, “Where landlords seek possession through a court, they must prove their intention to sell or move themselves or family members into the property. To prevent landlords from exploiting these grounds, they will not be able to re-market or re-let their property for three months after using them.”