Private Renting Reform in England: Adequacy of the Government’s Plans

The ongoing debate surrounding the reform of private renting in England has been a topic of significant contention, with various stakeholders expressing their concerns and suggestions. The government’s proposed plans, which include banning no-fault evictions, have been met with both support and criticism. In this article, we will delve into the adequacy of the government’s plans and the concerns raised by various parties.

The proposed legislation, known as the Renters (Reform) Bill, aims to abolish Section 21 evictions, which allow landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason. This move is intended to provide tenants with more security in their homes and empower them to challenge poor practices. However, some argue that the bill does not go far enough in addressing the root causes of unfair evictions and the instability that renters face.

One of the primary concerns raised by campaigners is the length of notice periods for evictions. Under the current plan, tenants would be given two months’ notice when being evicted, whereas some organizations, such as the Renter’s Reform Coalition, are advocating for four-month notice periods. This longer notice period would give tenants more time to find alternative housing and reduce the financial burden and stress associated with frequent moves.

Another concern is the protection of tenants from eviction during the initial stages of a tenancy. Currently, tenants are protected from eviction for six months at the start of a tenancy. The Renter’s Reform Coalition is calling for this period to be extended to two years. This longer protection period would provide tenants with greater stability and reduce the likelihood of unfair evictions.

Furthermore, the evidential threshold for landlords when they are trying to evict tenants needs to be raised. Currently, landlords can evict tenants based on relatively minor infringements, such as unpaid rent or damage to property. The Renter’s Reform Coalition is advocating for a higher threshold, which would ensure that evictions are only carried out in cases of genuine hardship or significant breaches of the tenancy agreement.

Natalie Allwood, a renter from Brighton, shared her experience of being unfairly evicted twice in the last 18 months. Despite being a good tenant who had never defaulted on her rent, she received two Section 21 notices, the most recent one after writing to her landlord about the insulation in her flat. This experience highlights the need for stronger tenant protections and the adequacy of the government’s plans in addressing the issue of unfair evictions.

The Conservative Party promised to ban no-fault evictions in their 2019 general election manifesto. However, the delay in passing the legislation through the House of Commons has been attributed to opposition from Conservative MPs who fear the bill goes too far and will see landlords sell up, reducing the number of rental properties. This concern is particularly relevant given the current rental housing supply crisis.

The National Residential Landlords Association is calling for improvements to the court system to enable landlords to regain possession of their properties more quickly when they have legitimate grounds to do so. Ben Beadle, the organization’s chief executive, emphasized the importance of securing the confidence of responsible landlords as well as renters.

The government maintains that the Renters (Reform) Bill will deliver a fairer private rented sector for both tenants and landlords. A spokesperson for the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities stated that the bill would abolish Section 21 evictions and empower tenants to challenge poor practices. However, it is crucial that the government addresses the concerns raised by various stakeholders and strengthens the legislation to ensure that it effectively addresses the root causes of unfair evictions and provides tenants with the stability and security they deserve.

In conclusion, the adequacy of the government’s plans to reform private renting in England is a topic of ongoing debate. While the proposed legislation to ban no-fault evictions is a step in the right direction, it is essential that the government addresses the concerns raised by various stakeholders and strengthens the legislation to ensure that it effectively addresses the root causes of unfair evictions and provides tenants with the stability and security they deserve. By doing so, the government can deliver a fairer private rented sector for both tenants and landlords.