Latest news with #Renters'ReformBill
Spectator
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Spectator
The homelessness minister had to go
A (relatively) quiet recess has been enlivened by a government resignation. Rushanara Ali quit as Homelessness Minister after accusations of hypocrisy by the i newspaper over how she handled rent increases on a house she owns in east London. Ali ended her tenants' fixed term contract to sell up but then re-listed the house for rent at a higher price within six months, which is something she is currently trying to outlaw under the Renters' Rights Bill. She had already lost part of her brief after attending an event linked to the parent company of a firm criticised by the Grenfell inquiry. The Labour MP's resignation came in an exchange of letters with the Prime Minister. She insisted that 'at all times I have followed all relevant legal requirements' – something which ignores the fact that Ali's own department is responsible for the impending law change. Keir Starmer's response is a crisp five paragraphs long, praising Ali's 'diligent work' to repeal the Vagrancy Act and improve democratic participation. It ends with a nod to her constituents in Bethnal Green and Stepney – a seat which Labour will likely lose to a Gaza independent-style candidate next time around. Ali's exit is the eleventh departure from Keir Starmer's government in thirteen months. A playbook has now been established for ministerial exits: go quickly, go quietly and, if you're lucky, you might just come back. Rushanara Ali's resignation came just over 24 hours of the i story first appearing. The exchange of letters dropped after the 6 o'clock news, before tomorrow's papers had gone to press. Clearly, there is little appetite for a rerun of the Tory years, when various doomed ministers desperately tried to cling on, thus prolonging the pain across multiple media cycles. Two thoughts struck me when the news broke. The first is the pragmatic ruthlessness of Keir Starmer's operation. Having purged three Labour rebels on the last day of term in July, Ali's swift execution on Thursday evening was another case of the PM learning from Michael Corleone: 'It's not personal, it's strictly business.' Woe betide any minister caught in trouble; the bodies of Louise Haigh, Tulip Siddiq and now Rushanara Ali show they can expect little sympathy from No. 10. The second was the politics of the Renters Rights' Bill, introduced by Labour after the failure of the Tories to pass a Renters' Reform Bill before July 2024. The criticism of Labour in opposition was that the Conservatives could not enact meaningful change, owing largely to the fact that so many of its MPs were landlords. When it comes to designing and implementing laws, Ali's exit is a reminder of the human interests at play, regardless of which rosettes are won at the despatch box.
Scottish Sun
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
New rules to help renters including bans on shock evictions delayed again
We reveal what help you can get if you're struggling with rent below HOUSE THAT New rules to help renters including bans on shock evictions delayed again Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) NEW rules giving more power to renters including a ban on shock evictions have been delayed again. The Renters' Reform Bill will reportedly not come into force in autumn as planned due to delays in Parliament. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The Renters' Reform Bill has been held up in Parliament Credit: Alamy The far-reaching bill will ban Section 21, also known as "no fault" evictions, as well as prevent landlords from increasing rents to deliberately squeeze hard-up renters out of their homes. The delay to the ban on Section 21 notices, as first reported by The Financial Times, is the first in a string of push backs. Fears have been raised by campaign group the Renters Reform Coalition that the latest delay could mean the bill not coming into effect until the spring of 2026. Tom Darling, director, said: "Renters will feel let down yet again on hearing that Section 21 no fault evictions are now unlikely to be scrapped until 2026 - a year and a half since the government was elected on a manifesto pledge to 'immediately abolish' them. "Now we find out renters will be facing a second no-fault eviction nightmare at Christmas since this promise was made. "Everyone needs a decent, secure home, but with every month that passes thousands more renters are faced with a no-fault eviction. "The Government must show a renewed impetus to get this over the line." Estimates from Shelter suggest around 25,000 households have been threatened with homelessness following a Section 21 notice since the Labour Party was elected. The charity said this means for each day the Government delays a ban, 70 households will be threatened with homelessness. The Sun spoke to one couple who were forced out of their home before Christmas, leaving them scrambling to find a new place to live with their four kids. Landlord Responsibilities Trevor and Tnaesha Twohig described receiving the no-fault eviction as "devastating and anxiety-inducing". The Sun asked the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities to comment. What else is included in the Renters' Reform Bill? It's not just a ban on Section 21 evictions covered in the Renters' Reform Bill. A host of other changes are included in the legislation. These are just a few of the major ones: Ensuring possession grounds are fair to both parties - this will give tenants more security but also allow landlords to recover their properties "when reasonable". - this will give tenants more security but also allow landlords to recover their properties "when reasonable". Providing stronger protections against backdoor eviction - this will ensure tenants can appeal above-market rents which are designed to force them out. - this will ensure tenants can appeal above-market rents which are designed to force them out. Introduce a new Private Rented Sector Landlord Ombudsman - this will mean renters can get impartial help if they have a grievance with their landlord. - this will mean renters can get impartial help if they have a grievance with their landlord. Give tenants strengthened rights to request a pet in the property - a landlord will have to consider this and cannot refuse it unreasonably. - a landlord will have to consider this and cannot refuse it unreasonably. Apply "Awaab's Law" to the sector - this will set clear legal expectations about the timeframes within which landlords in the private rented sector have to take action to make homes safe where they contain serious hazards. Help you can get to pay rent You might be able to get help via the Household Support Fund, which is worth £742million to councils in England. What to do if you've been served a Section 21 notice Here is what you can do, according to the Renters' Reform Coalition... Check the form - A section 21 notice must be on an official form, known as a 6a form. Your landlord can't issue an eviction notice just by telling you in person or by text/email. Check if the form is valid - you must be given at least two months notice to vacate a property. You also can't be given a section 21 if your tenancy started less than four months prior. If you are on a fixed term contract you can't receive a section 21 unless there is a break clause in it. These things can also make a section 21 notice invalid: The council have given your landlord an improvement notice to fix things, or an emergency works notice, in the last 6 months. Your deposit isn't in a deposit protection scheme. In that case the landlord must return it to you before they can issue a section 21. The property is a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) but it doesn't have a HMO licence from the council. In some areas all rented properties need a licence - check with your council. The landlord has charged you illegal fees - such as a deposit worth more than 5 weeks rent, or admin fees. In this case they must return the money to you before serving a section 21. You never received key paperwork for the property - the Energy Performance Certificate, the 'How to rent' guide, and a gas safety certificate (if there is gas). What to do if the section 21 is valid: You don't have to leave the property at the end of your section 21 notice. Your landlord still has to apply to court for a possession order and a warrant for eviction, to use court bailiffs to evict you. If you are remaining in your property after the end of a section 21 notice, make sure you inform your landlord and continue to pay rent while you look for another place to live. If you can't find somewhere to rent and are facing homelessness, tell your council immediately. They should be able to advise you on what to do and provide emergency temporary accommodation or other support. Local authorities have until March 31, 2026, to allocate their share of the fund and can set their own eligibility criteria. But you might be able to get free money through the fund which can be used to pay for rent. Speak to your local council about what help is on offer. You can find your local council via You might also be able to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment to cover the cost of rent. You can apply for a DHP if you get Housing Benefit or receive the housing element of Universal Credit. Some charities offer grants to those struggle to make ends meet as well. Use the Turn2Us grants search checker to see if you're eligible for anything - Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Labour urged to publish impact of rent reforms as eviction delays soar
Ministers are being urged to publish a report into the impact of rental reforms on the courts as landlords face eight-month delays to repossess their property. Government departments are required to complete a justice impact assessment for any new bills that are likely to impact the UK courts system. Labour's Renters' Reform Bill is set to become law this summer and will include the removal of Section 21 'no-fault evictions'. There are fears the change will force landlords to rely on the courts to regain possession of their properties, adding to existing backlogs. Private landlords faced an eight-month wait from making a claim to the courts to their properties being repossessed in the first four months of 2025, according to the latest government data. Chris Norris, chief policy officer for the National Residential Landlords Association, said: 'The justice system is simply not ready for the impact of the Bill. 'In the interests of transparency, the Government should publish the Justice Impact test. The Government also needs to come clean about how it defines the courts being ready for the reforms. Warm words are no substitute for clear objectives for the justice system.' Justice impact assessments are an internal process and not usually published by government departments, but previous ministers have committed to publishing court reviews ahead of implementing rental reforms. The former Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee in a 2023 report said: 'It is not clear whether the Government fully appreciates the extent to which an unreformed courts system could undermine its tenancy reforms.' Furthermore, in a consultation in 2022, the then-government acknowledged that Section 21 was preferred by landlords to other means of eviction – such as Section 8 – as it was perceived as 'quicker and more certain'. Richard Atkinson, president of the Law Society, said of the Renters' Rights Bill: 'The bill will not be effective without further investment in the justice system.' Mr Atkinson also urged the Government to 'provide greater funding and more clarity to the enforcement provisions so that justice is accessible to renters and landlords alike'. In addition to concerns about the justice system, a report has warned impacts of the bill will add almost £900 a year to the average tenancy. The legislation will limit landlords to just one rent increase per year capped at the 'market rate' – the price that would be achieved if the property was newly advertised to let. Landbay said property owners were planning to increase rent by an average of 6pc, which would add £74 to the average monthly rent, or £888 a year. Dr Neil Cobbold, director at property software company Reapit UKI, said: 'The Government's decision not to share the Renters' Rights Bill justice impact test raises serious questions about transparency and accountability. The estimate of changes in the number of court and tribunal cases is a vital tool for understanding how the legislation will affect the property sector – including case volumes – and whether the justice infrastructure is in place to support the change.' The Bill is currently going through the House of Lords before being sent back to the Commons and is expected to receive Royal Assent by summer 2025 and be implemented before the end of the year. An MHCLG spokesman said: 'As was the case under previous governments, Justice Impact Tests are internal government documents and it is not standard practice for them to be published. 'We are fully focussed on ensuring the justice system is ready for our reforms, which will create a fairer housing market, and are working closely with the Ministry of Justice and HM Courts and Tribunal Service to ensure all necessary preparations are in place.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Labour urged to publish rent reforms impact report as eviction delays soar
Ministers are being urged to publish a report into the impact of rental reforms on the courts as landlords face eight-month delays to repossess their property. Government departments are required to complete a justice impact assessment for any new bills that are likely to impact the UK courts system. Labour's Renters' Reform Bill is set to become law this summer and will include the removal of Section 21 'no-fault evictions'. There are fears the change will force landlords to rely on the courts to regain possession of their properties, adding to existing backlogs. Private landlords faced an eight-month wait from making a claim to the courts to their properties being repossessed in the first four months of 2025, according to the latest government data. Chris Norris, chief policy officer for the National Residential Landlords Association, said: 'The justice system is simply not ready for the impact of the Bill. 'In the interests of transparency, the Government should publish the Justice Impact test. The Government also needs to come clean about how it defines the courts being ready for the reforms. Warm words are no substitute for clear objectives for the justice system.' Justice impact assessments are an internal process and not usually published by government departments, but previous ministers have committed to publishing court reviews ahead of implementing rental reforms. The former Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee in a 2023 report said: 'It is not clear whether the Government fully appreciates the extent to which an unreformed courts system could undermine its tenancy reforms.' Furthermore, in a consultation in 2022, the then-government acknowledged that Section 21 was preferred by landlords to other means of eviction – such as Section 8 – as it was perceived as 'quicker and more certain'. Richard Atkinson, president of the Law Society, said of the Renters' Rights Bill: 'The bill will not be effective without further investment in the justice system.' Mr Atkinson also urged the Government to 'provide greater funding and more clarity to the enforcement provisions so that justice is accessible to renters and landlords alike'. In addition to concerns about the justice system, a report has warned impacts of the bill will add almost £900 a year to the average tenancy. The legislation will limit landlords to just one rent increase per year capped at the 'market rate' – the price that would be achieved if the property was newly advertised to let. Landbay said property owners were planning to increase rent by an average of 6pc, which would add £74 to the average monthly rent, or £888 a year. Dr Neil Cobbold, director at property software company Reapit UKI, said: 'The Government's decision not to share the Renters' Rights Bill justice impact test raises serious questions about transparency and accountability. The estimate of changes in the number of court and tribunal cases is a vital tool for understanding how the legislation will affect the property sector – including case volumes – and whether the justice infrastructure is in place to support the change.' The Bill is currently going through the House of Lords before being sent back to the Commons and is expected to receive Royal Assent by summer 2025 and be implemented before the end of the year. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government was approached for comment. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Telegraph
04-03-2025
- Telegraph
Your rights as a landlord – and how you can still evict a tenant
The Renters' Rights Bill currently in the House of Lords is a more comprehensive version of the Renters' Reform Bill which was brought to parliament under the previous government. The new bill brings an end to 'no fault evictions' leaving landlords worried about removing problem tenants. But there are still ways to remove troublesome tenants, even after the bill is passed, most likely at some point in 2025. If you are faced with a rogue tenant, then here is what you need to know in order to legally evict them, once Section 21 has been abolished. In this article, we will cover: What are the current eviction rules? Until now landlords have been able to use Section 21 to evict renters at the end of their tenancy without providing justification, as long as they give them two months' notice. Landlords can still use Section 8 to get rid of tenants who wreck the property or stop paying rent. However, this involves going to court, which can take months. A problem tenant is any landlord's worst nightmare, costing potentially thousands of pounds in damage or unpaid rent – in the past Telegraph Money has heard of rogue tenants who set up cannabis farms in the loft and others who filled the house with rotting trout. During the pandemic, the government imposed a ban on evictions. Ever since this was lifted in 2021, there has been a surge in landlord possession claims and evictions, according to the Ministry of Justice. Almost 20,000 households were served a Section 21 notice last year, more than double the number in 2021, as landlords rushed to regain control over their properties before Section 21 was scrapped. Evicting problem tenants after the Renters' Rights Bills There are still ways you can evict problem tenants even after the Renters' Rights Bill comes in. Those include: Anti-social behaviour Property damage Unpaid rent Anti-social behaviour The Government recently revealed an action plan to help landlords crack down on anti-social tenants, although no date for new powers has been decided. Currently, landlords can only end a tenancy over anti-social behaviour if there is a conviction. The new proposals would remove the requirement for a conviction, meaning an eviction could be obtained by a landlord on evidence alone. James Wood, of the National Residential Landlords Association, said anti-social behaviour is notoriously difficult to prove. 'Most of the victims will be the immediate neighbours or other tenants, who are understandably scared of providing evidence in court.' If there are reports of anti-social behaviour, give the other tenants and neighbours a channel to report the information confidentially. Ideally, they should keep an evidence log of when and where incidents occur, as this will strengthen your case if it goes to court. Reporting the behaviour to the police or local authority could also help here. You should warn the tenant that their behaviour is not acceptable, without identifying the informer. If the behaviour persists, then you will have to serve a possession notice. Read more on these below. Property damage Some wear and tear is to be expected over the length of the tenancy. But if the tenant has caused damage to the property, the cost can be deducted from the deposit. There is a clear difference between natural wear and tear and property damage. Scratches on the wall and appliances that have broken down are examples of natural wear and tear, whereas cigarette burns on a carpet, a broken chair, or an overloaded plug socket constitute damage. Before renting out the property, it is best to complete an inventory report with the items in the property but also the condition of those items. If deducting costs from the deposit, this must be on a like-for-like basis. You cannot charge a tenant for the cost of a new premium mattress if they damaged a cheap one. Unpaid rent There has been a rise in the number of landlords chasing unpaid rent from tenants since the pandemic began. Last year instructions for rent debt recovery services surged by 180pc compared to the previous 12 months, according to Landlord Action, an eviction firm. Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action, said that if a tenant stops paying rent, the landlord should get in touch as soon as possible. Hopefully, the problem is only temporary and you can compromise. Mr Shamplina said: 'A good tenant doesn't turn rogue overnight.' However, if a compromise cannot be reached, and if the rent goes unpaid for more than two months, the landlord can decide to serve a Section 8 notice. This gives the tenant 14 days' notice to pay. If the rent still has not been paid, the landlord would have to apply to the courts for a possession order and a money order. Mr Wood said: 'Alternatively, landlords can apply via Money Claim Online for a judgment for just the arrears if they still want the tenancy to continue.' Money Claim Online is an online portal, operated by HM Courts & Tribunal Service, which allows claims to be made for up to £100,000. Mr Shamplina added: 'If at this point the tenant still does not pay, the landlord would have to instruct bailiffs.' If a tenant has been in at least two months' arrears three times in the previous three years, this is grounds for mandatory eviction. How to legally evict a tenant You must give your tenant appropriate notice that you wish for them to leave the property. With Section 21 abolished, you must use Section 8 notice under the Housing Act 1988. How landlords deal with bad tenants How to use Section 8 Section 8 can be used where the landlord has grounds for eviction including property damage, rent arrears or anti-social behaviour. However, you will need to have evidence to back up your claim if your tenant takes you to court. Mr Wood said: 'Because of the lack of certainty in this route, most landlords prefer to use Section 21 to deal with cases where the tenant is in arrears or is anti-social.' You must fill in a 'Notice seeking possession of a property let on an assured tenancy or an assured agricultural occupancy'. On this form you should specify what terms of the tenancy have been breached. You should give between two weeks' and two months' notice, depending upon which terms you are relying. How to make a possession order If your tenant refuses to leave after receiving notice then you can serve a possession order. This requires you to fill in a Form N5 claim for possession and N119 particulars of claim for possession.
