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Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Tens of thousands of renters booted out of homes as ‘no-fault' evictions surge – despite government plan to crack down
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TENS of thousands of renters have been booted out of their homes amid a rise in "no-fault" evictions. Section 21 notices enforced by bailiffs have risen by 8% over the last year, according to Ministry of Justice figures. 2 More than 11,400 repossessions after a Section 21 notice were reported over the last year Credit: SWNS That's despite the Labour Government promising to crack down on "no-fault" evictions, which allow landlords to force renters out during their tenancy without needing a specified reason. A total of 11,402 repossessions by county court bailiffs following a Section 21 notice were reported in the year up to June 2025. That's up from 10,576 over the previous 12 months. Labour had pledged to push through new rules that would give more power to tenants and ban Section 21 notices. The rules mean landlords will need to apply for a hearing before they can evict a tenant. But the Renters' Rights Bill hasn't been made into law yet and some landlords have been selling off their properties ahead of the reforms. It was due to come into force this autumn but a report in the Financial Times has suggested it will be pushed back because of delays in Parliament. Campaign group the Renters Reform Coalition raised fears the delay could mean the bill until spring next year. Director Tom Darling said at the time: "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… "Everyone needs a decent, secure home, but with every month that passes thousands more renters are faced with a no-fault eviction." Landlord Responsibilities Homelessness charity Shelter has reacted angrily to the latest Section 21 figures. Spokesperson Mairi MacRae told The Telegraph: "It is unconscionable that more than a year after the Government came to power, thousands of renters continue to be marched out of their homes by bailiffs because of an unfair policy that the Government said would be scrapped immediately." A Government spokesman told the paper: "No one should live in fear of a Section 21 eviction and these new figures show exactly why we will abolish them through our Renters' Rights Bill, which is a manifesto commitment and legislative priority for this Government. "We're determined to level the playing field by providing tenants with greater security, rights and protections in their homes and our landmark reforms will be implemented swiftly after the Bill becomes law." What else is included in the Renters' Rights Bill? It's not just a ban on Section 21 evictions covered in the Renters' Rights 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" Providing stronger protections against backdoor eviction - 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 Give tenants strengthened rights to request a pet in the property - 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. 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 has given your landlord an improvement notice to fix things, or an emergency works notice, in the last six 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 five 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. What is the section 21 rule and what are your rights as a renter? THE law - known as Section 21 - means a landlord can ask you to move out without needing a particular reason. The first step of every procedure is the section 21 notice - a letter of notification that the landlord must serve to the tenant, prior to the eviction. The notice to quit is purely informational and doesn't carry any legal power. a letter of notification that the landlord must serve to the tenant, prior to the eviction. The notice to quit is purely informational and doesn't carry any legal power. If you've got a good relationship with your landlord, it might be worth asking them if you can stay in your home for longer. Send a letter to your landlord explaining your situation and keep a copy of any reply you get. Your landlord can't make you leave your home unless they've gone to court to get a possession order and a warrant for eviction. You might be able to challenge your eviction and stay in your home. A section 8 notice can require you to move sooner, but can only be served if the landlord has a reason, such as you breaking the terms of your tenancy. New rules introduced in October 2015 have made it harder to evict you for reporting problems with the property. If you're asked to leave because you've asked for repairs then you should see advice immediately. You can find more tips on how to challenge your eviction on Citizens Advice.
Evening Standard
07-08-2025
- Politics
- Evening Standard
Who is Rushanara Ali? The homelessness minister facing calls to quit over London rent scandal
Tom Darling, Director at the Renters' Reform Coalition, said called the situation 'mind-boggling' and pointed out that Government is considering an amendment to the Renters' Rights Bill from the House of Lords which reduces the ban on reletting after eviction from 12 months to six months.
Daily Mirror
29-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mirror
Third of renters 'could be forced out by rent hikes' despite landmark reforms
Labour's significant Renters' Rights Bill, which is currently passing through Parliament, will ban landlords from evicting renters for no reason from their homes - but fears remain As many as a third of renters could be forced out by rent hikes despite landmark legislation to protect their rights, research shows. Labour 's significant Renters' Rights Bill, which is currently passing through Parliament, will ban landlords from evicting renters for no reason from their homes. But despite Section 21 evictions being abolished, campaigners have raised concerns that landlords would still be able to use unfair rent hikes to push people out of their homes. Polling by the Renters Reform Coalition (RRC) has found 34% of renters, and 29% of renters with children, said they would "definitely" be forced to move home by a rent increase of £110 per month. Analysis by the campaign group suggests the average rent increase recommended at first-tier rent tribunals is more than double this at over £240 per month. RRC said the government recognises 'unreasonable rent increases' and had promised to 'empower' renters to challenge them through tribunals. But its polling showed more than half of renters (54%) were unaware that rent tribunals exist and only 14% said they were 'very likely' to use one to challenge a rent increase in future - even after the government has made changes to improve the process. The RRC is calling on the government to introduce a cap on in-tenancy rent increases so renters can remain in their homes. The Renters' Rights Bill is in its final stages of the House of Lords and so is due to become law soon. Peers have attempted to amend the legislation to limit rent increases. Tom Darling, Director at the RRC, praised the 'long overdue' Bill to improve renters' rights but said 'the rent rise eviction loophole is a serious gap in the legislation'. 'Even after section 21 is abolished, our research suggests as many as a third of renters will still face being pushed out of their homes and communities by rent increases, and landlords will be able to use rent hikes they know tenants cannot afford to threaten or intimidate,' he said. "The government's proposed solution will not address this - our analysis shows rent tribunals will do nothing to protect the large proportion of renters who already cannot afford average market rents, even if they were willing to take their landlord to a tribunal in the first place.' A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesman said: 'Our landmark Renters' Rights Bill will ensure that landlords are only be able to increase rents once a year to the market rate, and tenants will be able to challenge unreasonable rent increases through the First-tier Tribunal. 'This will prevent unscrupulous landlords using rent increases as a backdoor means of eviction, while ensuring rents can be increased to a fair rate.' The Government has been clear it does not support rent caps. Officials say heavy-handed controls tend to mean higher rents at the start of a tenancy. It was also highlighted that MHCLG secured a £39billion investment for affordable housing at the Spending Review. ::: The RRC commissioned polling from More in Common, who surveyed 1,076 private renters through three separate polls between April 25 - May 5.
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
The Sun
26-06-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
New rules to help renters including bans on shock evictions delayed again
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. 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. 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". Providing stronger protections against backdoor eviction - 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. Give tenants strengthened rights to request a pet in the property - 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 - .
