UK Abolishes No Fault Evictions

Section 21 evictions, which permitted landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason, will be abolished in England. Landlords warned that the changes could result in slower eviction processes for problematic tenants. New laws in England take effect today to grant private sector renters increased legal rights. The government stated the change aims to provide greater security for tenants. The Guardian reported that solicitors have seen an influx of requests to serve eviction notices as landlords attempt to act before the ban takes effect. The Mail stated that middle-income landlords could face bankruptcy due to the change. Housing Secretary Steve Reid described the practice of evicting tenants before they receive stronger rights as a problematic behavior. The Renters Rights Act is set to stop landlords from issuing no-fault evictions under Section 21. The Metro reports that landlords of student flats may be particularly affected, as students can now issue notice to leave at the end of terms without paying for summer holidays. Legally valid reasons are now restricted to the landlord moving into the property or selling it. Additionally, all fixed-term or assured shorthold tenancies will be converted into rolling contracts. These changes are part of a broader set of new rules for the rental sector.