Date Published 31 October 2024
Over the coming days we will break down the changes to The Renters Rights Bill.
The objective of the Bill is to ensure private renters not only have access to a secure and decent home but that they can exercise their rights to challenge poor treatment and bad practice.
Today's post looks at The Abolishment of Section 21 ‘no fault' evictions.
Key elements are:
- Abolish Section 21 evictions.
- Single system of periodic assured tenancies.
- Rent charged monthly or for each 28 days.
- Tenants must give 2 months' notice.
- Written tenancy agreements to be made mandatory and regulations may specify required terms and wording for tenancy agreements.
- PBSA exempt.
Section 21 evictions will be banned to protect renters from a key driver of homelessness and empower them to speak up against discriminatory treatment.
The MHCLG's press release states: 'Banning Section 21 alone will reassure tenants they can challenge bad practice without the fear of retaliatory eviction, as landlords will need to provide a valid cause to end a tenancy early. Going further than ever before, the Bill will abolish Section 21 evictions for both new and existing tenancies at the same time, giving all private renters immediate security and assurance.'
This was one of the most contentious measures contained within the original Bill, and the new Bill goes further in abolishing Section 21 evictions for both existing and new tenancies at the same time. The original Bill would have abolished Section 21 for existing tenancies at a later date than for new tenancies.
In its Guide to the Renters' Rights Bill, the Government explains:
To end the scourge of section 21 evictions as quickly as possible, we will introduce the new tenancy for the private rented sector system in one stage. On this date the new tenancy system will apply to all private tenancies - existing tenancies will convert to the new system, and any new tenancies signed on or after this date will also be governed by the new rules.
Existing fixed terms will be converted to periodic tenancies, and landlords will no longer be able to serve new section 21 or old-style section 8 notices to evict their tenants. This single date will prevent a confusing 2-tier system and give all tenants security immediately.
The ban on no-fault evictions is understood to be on course to come into effect in summer 2025 at the earliest.
If you are a landlord or tenant and wants to know more, speak to our qualified team today who will guide you through the changes.
