By Tony O’Reilly-
Michael Gove(pictured) has said that a long-promised ban on section 21 eviction notices will face a delay until the courts reform.
The new laws aims to abolish Section 21 evictions, a legal provision that allows landlords to repossess their properties without having to demonstrate any wrongdoing by the tenants.
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The proposed change, however, has faced strong opposition from many Tory backbenchers, who view it as anti- conservative and anti- landlord and fear it could negatively impact their constituents.
According to research conducted earlier this year, 87 Members of Parliament (MPs) earn an income from residential property, with 68 of them being Conservative MPs, making up about one-fifth of the Tory party’s parliamentary representation..
The looming rebellion underscores the challenge the government faces in securing the passage of the Renters (Reform) Bill.
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Critics argue that the proposed legislation fails to strike the right balance between tenant protection and landlord interests and may have unintended consequences for the housing market.
At least 40 Tory MPs threatened to vote against the legislation if the ban stayed.
They say abandoning Section 21 would leave landlords stuck with anti-social tenants ruining their properties.
They also argue it would encourage masses of second homeowners to sell up, placing further pressure on the already squeezed English rental market.
Alongside frustrating renters Mr Gove is facing serious questions from the private student accommodation sector.
Changes have been made to the Bill to guarantee students can sign short fixed-term tenancy contracts in purpose-built accommodation sites.
However the Bill currently won’t allow short fixed-term contracts for student accommodation in converted buildings.
As the bill progresses through the parliamentary process, it is likely to remain a contentious issue that raises questions about the government’s legislative agenda and its ability to navigate a divided Conservative party.
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