A Dramatic Increase in No-Fault Evictions by Bailiffs in England: A Crisis for Renters

The issue of no-fault evictions has been a contentious topic in England for several years. Under Section 21 notices, landlords can remove tenants without providing a reason. This practice has been a source of concern for renters and housing charities, who argue that it leaves tenants vulnerable to eviction without cause. According to recent data, the number of no-fault evictions by bailiffs in England has surged by almost 50% last year, compared to 2022.

The figures, released by the Ministry of Justice, reveal that 9,457 households were repossessed by bailiffs after receiving a Section 21 notice in 2023. This represents a 49% increase from the previous year, when 6,339 households were evicted in this manner. The total number of no-fault notices served also reached a seven-year high, with 30,230 served last year, up from 23,622 in 2022, a 28% increase.

The government had promised to ban no-fault evictions in its 2019 general election manifesto. However, the Renters (Reform) Bill, which would implement this ban, has yet to complete its passage through the Commons. The delay in the bill’s progress has been criticized by housing charities, who argue that renters are being left without adequate protection.

Campaigners have warned that the bill is “on life support” and have accused ministers of “deprioritizing” the reforms. Shelter, a housing charity, points out that only the most desperate tenants are evicted by a bailiff. Most tenants leave before the end of their notice period when they receive a Section 21 order. The charity also notes that since the government first promised to end no-fault evictions, a total of 26,311 bailiff repossessions had been granted.

Chief executive of Shelter, Polly Neate, accused the government of “bowing to vested interests while renters are marched out of their homes in their thousands.” The government insists that the bill will return to the Commons soon and that it will abolish Section 21 evictions, giving people more security in their homes and empowering them to challenge poor practices.

Landlords have warned that banning no-fault evictions will force many of them to sell and therefore reduce the availability of homes to rent. However, housing charities argue that this is a misconception. They point out that the vast majority of private landlords do not rely on Section 21 evictions to manage their properties. Instead, they use them as a threat to intimidate tenants and force them to leave without a fight.

The surge in no-fault evictions comes at a time when the housing market is facing other challenges. House prices have been rising at an alarming rate, making it difficult for many people to afford a place to live. Mortgage rates have also been rising, making it more expensive for landlords to finance their properties. This has led to an increase in mortgage arrears, with more people falling behind on payments.

The situation is particularly dire for vulnerable renters, who are at risk of being evicted from their homes due to no fault of their own. The government’s delay in implementing the Renters (Reform) Bill has left these renters without adequate protection. Housing charities are urging the prime minister to speed up the bill’s passage and to provide greater support for renters in the meantime.

In conclusion, the surge in no-fault evictions by bailiffs in England is a crisis for renters. The government’s delay in implementing the Renters (Reform) Bill has left renters without adequate protection, leaving them vulnerable to eviction without cause. Housing charities are urging the prime minister to speed up the bill’s passage and to provide greater support for renters in the meantime. The situation is particularly dire for vulnerable renters, who are at risk of being evicted from their homes due to no fault of their own. It is essential that the government takes action to address this issue and to ensure that renters have the security and protection they deserve.