The end of ‘no fault’ evictions?
11th September 2024
No fault evictions are back on the parliamentary agenda with a proposal for such evictions to be banned to strengthen tenants’ rights.
The government are proposing several changes to the private rental sector which will see Section 21 Notices being abolished, the introduction of ‘Awaab’s Law’ to enable tenants to challenge dangerous living conditions, the introduction of a ‘Decent Homes Standard’ and much more.
At present, a landlord can, subject to compliance with statutory requirements, serve a Section 21 Notice with a view to regaining possession of their rented property without the tenant being at fault. The proposed legislation will ban no fault evictions for new and existing tenancies requiring landlords to provide a valid cause to end a tenancy.
The Renters’ Rights Bill also aims to put an end to bad practices such as landlords and letting agents forcing bidding wars to drive up rents and mid-tenancy rent increases.
Landlords and letting agents will be legally required to publish an asking rent for their property and will be banned from asking for, encouraging or accepting any bids above this price and will only be allowed to raise the rent once a year, to market rate.
The Renters’ Rights Bill will also make it illegal for landlords to discriminate against tenants in receipt of benefits or those with children.
The Bill is also expected to allow tenants to end rental agreements with just two months’ notice from the first day they move in.
Tenants will still be at risk of eviction if they do not pay their rent, cause serious damage or engage in antisocial behaviour and landlords will be able to take possession if they want to sell the property or move in.
The ban could come into force as soon as next summer.
If you are a landlord, letting agent or tenant who requires advice or assistance regarding your rental property, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our Residential Landlord Services team.
Article written by Litigation Solicitor, Lauren Robinson.