By Tony O’Reilly-
Landlords would be banned from evicting tenants with no justification as part of a long-promised overhaul of the private rental sector in England.
A new law to be presented in Parliament would abolish no-fault evictions and end bans on tenants claiming benefits.
The government said a tenancy “will only end if the tenant ends it or if the landlord has a valid ground for possession”.
The bill would also make it easier for landlords to repossess properties from anti-social tenants.
Housing campaigners said the bill was a “huge opportunity” to improve the lives of the 11 million renters in England.
Under the new law, tenants would be given the legal right to request a pet in their home, which the landlord cannot unreasonably refuse.
The law would also make it illegal for a landlord to refuse tenancies to families with children, or those in receipt of benefits.
The Conservatives promised “a better deal for renters” – including a ban on no-fault evictions – in its manifesto ahead of the general election in 2019.
Boris Johnson’s government then set out plans to “fundamentally reform the private rented sector” in 2022, before Michael Gove, the communities secretary, promised legislation this year.
The bill will eradicate of Section 21, a key piece of legislation that allows landlords to evict tenants without providing justification.
The government said a tenancy “will only end if the tenant ends it or if the landlord has a valid ground for possession”.
With the removal of the threat of eviction without cause, tenants will more likely to assert their rights and report maintenance issues to landlords without fear of retaliation. Landlords, knowing that they cannot easily remove tenants, are incentivized to address repair and maintenance concerns promptly, leading to improved housing conditions for tenants.
No-fault evictions can contribute to homelessness by displacing tenants without sufficient time to find alternative accommodation. By banning no-fault evictions, tenants are provided with more time to secure suitable housing, reducing the risk of becoming homeless.
Banning no-fault evictions can help rebalance the power dynamics between landlords and tenants. It gives tenants greater leverage and the ability to negotiate terms with their landlords without the fear of immediate eviction. This increased tenant empowerment can foster more equitable relationships between landlords and tenants.
No-fault evictions disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as low-income families, the elderly, and marginalized communities. Banning no-fault evictions promotes fairness and social justice by providing equal protection and stability for all tenants, regardless of their circumstances.