MPs consulted on amendments to ‘water down’ no-fault eviction ban

Conservative backbenchers are being consulted on amendments to the Renters Reform bill, that would water down proposals to ban no-fault evictions, according to the BBC. The amendments are being circulated on WhatsApp to Tory MPs with concerns about the impact of the bill on landlords.

Introduced in May 2023, the Renters Reform Bill would end the Section 21 evictions, which mean landlords in England can ask tenants to vacate a property, without giving a reason. Under the changes, landlords would only be able to give tenants notice under certain circumstances, such as is they want to sell up or move into the home themselves.

The bill has not yet passed through the House of Commons. However, the government says it fully intends to ban no-fault evictions before the election.

MPs, some of them landlords, fear the changes would discourage people from renting out property, further reducing the number of homes for rent in the private sector.

The new amendments include a requirement in law that a ban on no-fault evictions may not be introduced until the impact on the courts has been reviewed by the justice secretary. MPs have previously warned that abolishing Section 21 would put increased pressure on the court system.

The government is also promising to review the selective licensing rules “with the explicit aim of reducing burdens on landlords”.

Other draft amendments include a requirement that renters live in a property for a minimum of four months before they can give notice.

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association called for the amendments to be published for public debate. He said: “The lack of progress and uncertainty about the future is destabilising and damaging for those living and working in the private-rented sector.”

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