MPs have backed government plans to scrap Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, as well as other changes.
MPs sitting on the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Committee say that too many tenants are evicted unfairly. They have therefore backed the government plans to scrap Section 21 notices as well as abolish fixed term contracts
MPs have backed the abolition of;
- The Section 21 notice
- Fixed term tenancies (as proposed in the Renters Reform Bill)
MPs feel that the above would give tenants greater security of tenure. The committee is however concerned about the pressure on the courts as landlords will be forced to use Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988. The ground for possession, set in schedule 2, of this notice require a court hearing. As a result, it has also been recommended that a dedicated housing court is set up to handle a surge in cases.
The Government has said it will look to amend Section 8’s to strengthen the grounds for possession. The plan is to:
- Introduce new grounds for possession for landlords who wish to sell their property or move themselves or close family members in. It will not allow use of these grounds in the first six months of a tenancy, and will prevent landlords from marketing or reletting properties for three months following the use of either ground.
- Introduce a mandatory ground where a tenant has been in at least two months’ rent arrears three times in the previous three years, regardless of their arrears on the day of the hearing.
- Make it easier for landlords to evict tenants responsible for antisocial behaviour using existing grounds for possession.
The date we can expect these changes is still unknown and the working detail is still to be agreed.
We will of course update you as and when more information is released. In the meantime, should you have any property or tenancy related queries please do not hesitate to contact the office.
Gemma Scott-Davies- 01474 321957
Lettings Manager
gemmascott@mandmprop.co.uk