In a recent interview on BBC Breakfast, Ben Twomey, a leading figure from the tenant advocacy group Generation Rent, downplayed concerns over the potential backlash from landlords regarding the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill and the abolition of no-fault evictions.
Twomey emphasized that tenants’ needs should take precedence, arguing that landlords, who already profit significantly from the rental market, are in a position to absorb any additional costs that the new regulations might impose.
During the interview, Twomey acknowledged that the long-term solution to the current housing crisis lies in the construction of 300,000 new homes annually. However, he stressed that immediate action is needed to protect renters. “Eviction protections are too weak, and rents are so high that we see an enormous amount of suffering in our country,” he stated, repeating his concerns for emphasis.
When questioned about the potential negative impact on landlords—such as a possible increase in property sales leading to a reduction in rental stock—Twomey remained steadfast. He insisted that the challenges faced by landlords and tenants are not comparable. “Landlords may have to delay their sale, for example,” he remarked, contrasting this with the severe consequences tenants face, including homelessness and poverty.
Twomey further advocated for extending the eviction process to four months, arguing that this would provide tenants with crucial time to avoid the most dire outcomes. “Landlords, I think, can bear that cost because of the enormous amount of money we’re paying in rents already,” he added.
NetRent Comment
We pointed out yesterday that Twomey has a history of making sweeping, unsubstantiated and general claims and here he is again opening his mouth and spouting rubbish. Reality doesn’t affect Twomey’s world, nor does anyone else’s rights or legal ownership.
How can he possibly make the sweeping statement that all landlords are in a position to absorb costs? Who is going to build 300,000 homes, where and who is going to buy them? And as for landlords profiting has he checked the fiscal position of every landlord? Of course he hasn’t. In Twomey’s world facts don’t matter, reality doesn’t matter all that matters is his agenda and the platform to spout that agenda. Shame on the BBC for giving airtime to this deluded individual.
But if you’re going to give him airtime at least challenge him, ask him pointed questions and most importantly ask him to explain exactly how his world coincides with reality.