There are growing concerns among landlords ahead of the introduction of the Renters’ Rights Bill, especially in relation to plans to abolish Section 21 evictions.
A new survey by Landbay found that 75.4% of landlords are very concerned about plans to scrap Section 21, with the vast majority of respondents expressing concern about a loss of control of their property and their ability to remove problem tenants. They argued that the ability to expel bad tenants was ‘vital’.
The new Bill proposes abolishing ‘no fault evictions’, removing the threat of arbitrary evictions and increasing tenant security and stability. New clear and expanded possession grounds will be introduced so landlords can reclaim their properties when they need to.
Unlike the Renters Reform Bill, oroposed under he ptrevious Tory government, the new Bill does not make abolition dependent on improvements to the court process.
Landlords told Landbay of their concerns about the already slow and lengthy courts process, which is likely to only see increased demand as courts hear possession claims and landlords look to use Section 8 powers instead.
The National Residential Landlords Association also shares this view.
Rob Stanton, sales and distributiondirector at Landbay, said: “Rent reform has long been on Labour’s radar and formed a key part of its election manifesto. We knew this would be a priority for the new government and it looks like it plans to move quickly. Nonetheless, our research shows that landlords have significant concerns about the new Bill, particularly around ‘no fault’ evictions.
“While no decent landlord will object to tenants being treated fairly, they argue that the property owner deserves the same rights. We have to hope that, as the Bill starts its long journey through parliament and the House of Lords, amendments are made to create a fairer piece of legislation that doesn’t negatively impact supply or rent for tenants.
“It’s important to remind landlords that the buy-to-let sector and the private rental sector is no stranger to new legislation. Add in changes of government and economic crises, the sector continues to thrive. Above all, lenders such as Landbay remain active in the market, working with brokers to support landlords of all sizes and requirements. No matter how the new Bill comes out in the wash, this will not change.”
Labour targets tenant vote ‘without much thought for the wider rental market’, says agency boss
