Campaigning group Generation Rent has issued a stark warning that the government’s delay on the Renters (Reform) Bill is putting private renters at risk of arbitrary evictions. This comes as the Government confirms that the first debate on the legislation will not take place until after the party conference season concludes.
According to estimates by Generation Rent, 10,633 households have faced no-fault evictions under Section 21 of the 1988 Housing Act since the Bill’s first reading on 17 May. This equates to 87 evictions per day.
Parliament has a maximum of two weeks for the Second Reading debate of the Bill after the King opens the final session of the current Parliament on 7 November. If the Bill isn’t debated within this period, its future is uncertain.
The Renters (Reform) Bill aims to abolish Section 21 evictions, a clause that allows landlords to evict tenants without needing a reason, given they provide two months’ notice.
Public opinion appears to be in favour of the Bill, with a Public First poll for Onward indicating that 72% of the public supports the legislation. Despite this, there has been little movement in Parliament to push the Bill forward.
Responding to queries during today’s Commons Business Statement, Penny Mordaunt reiterated the government’s commitment to the Bill, stating that dates for the debate will be announced in future business.
Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, has written to Housing Secretary Michael Gove urging immediate action. Twomey stated: “The longer the government delays the Renters (Reform) Bill, the more renters will face the agony of an arbitrary eviction, with the cost and stress that entails. Time is running out for Parliament to make progress and there is a real risk that because of delays, the Bill will never become law.”
As the current parliamentary session draws to a close, the looming uncertainty surrounding the Renters (Reform) Bill remains a pressing issue. Both tenants and advocates await concrete steps from the Government to fulfil its manifesto commitment and safeguard renters from arbitrary evictions.
