A change in government, and a change in the Section 21 eviction timetable

For those of us who have been following the somewhat tumultuous legislative journey of the removal of ‘no-fault’ evictions by landlords, the new government has also brought with it a change in focus on that subject.

The previous incumbent Conservatives had been content to acknowledge that something needed to be done, but did not want to swamp the Courts with many possession claims that would inevitably flow from the end of the section 21 arrangements.

We now learn that the Labour government, with its considerable majority, is intending to bring the Renters’ Reform Bill for its first reading in the House of Commons this week, and there is no reason to think that the bill will not become law rapidly.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has stated that it is seeking an immediate end to section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions.

On that basis, renters will then receive greater housing protection and landlords will have a more complicated procedure to seek the removal of tenants. Whether or not the Courts do, in fact, become busier as a result only time will tell, however it is clear that their workload will certainly be adjusted.

Our UKRE team advises both landlords and tenants and is ideally placed to assist on all leasehold matters. If you need any further information or legal advice, including conveyancing of a property in England, please contact our designated UKRE team Anna Douglass, Alastair Hargreaves, Caren Vidamour, and Hannah Damant who will be delighted to assist.