NEW FIGURES released yesterday by the UK government show just how overdue its reform of private renting is in England, as homelessness and evictions increase, says the housing and homelessness charity Shelter.
The figures show:
- 24,060 households were threatened with homelessness in England as a result of a Section 21 no-fault eviction in 2022. This is 50 per cent higher than in 2021.
- 290,330 households faced homelessness in 2022 in England – a rise of six per cent compared to the year before.
A Section 21 ‘no-fault’ eviction allows landlords to ask a tenant to leave with just two months’ notice and without having to give any reason for doing so. The government has committed to introducing the long-awaited Renters’ Reform Bill soon, which will scrap these evictions.
Shelter is urging the government to bring forward this vital piece of legislation as soon as possible, making sure it is as strong as possible, with every loophole closed, so that no renter can be unfairly evicted.
Polly Neate, the chief executive of Shelter, said: “For too long struggling private tenants have been trapped in an insecure and unstable private rented sector with the constant worry of being one no-fault eviction notice away from homelessness.
“Every day our frontline services hear from desperate families who are facing the very real prospect of homelessness after an eviction. The cost of living crisis coupled with paying through the nose for insecurity and disrepair in the private rented sector where competition for rentals is fierce means that there are little to no options for tenants who are forced out of their homes.
“Renters have been promised these reforms for four long years, they can’t wait any longer. The government must immediately bring forward the long-promised Renters’ Reform Bill which will scrap Section 21 no-fault evictions for good.”
* Anyone who is facing homelessness can get free and expert advice from Shelter here.To help Shelter support more people fighting for their home, donate here.
* Source: Shelter