The Labour government has announced plans to swiftly abolish no-fault evictions in England, as part of a comprehensive reform package for the private rented sector.
Angela Rayner, Housing Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister, unveiled the proposal, stating that Labour would “immediately ban Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions” through legislation to be introduced next week. This move aims to provide greater security for millions of renters across the country.
Key Reforms
- Banning Section 21 evictions, which currently allow landlords to evict tenants without providing a reason
- Introducing new legal protections for renters
- Ending rental bidding wars
- Capping the amount of rent that can be requested upfront
The government also plans to tackle issues of energy efficiency and living conditions in rental properties. Labour claims these measures could save the average tenant £250 per year on energy bills by requiring landlords to meet stringent energy-efficiency standards by 2030.
Addressing Housing Challenges
Rayner criticized the previous Conservative government’s handling of the rental sector, stating that they had “failed to stand up for renters”. She emphasized Labour’s commitment to prioritizing renters’ interests and addressing the challenges faced by those in the private rented sector.
To combat the broader housing crisis, Labour has reaffirmed its pledge to build 1.5 million homes over five years. This ambitious target is seen as crucial to improving affordability and accessibility in the housing market.
Industry Response
Housing charities and tenant advocacy groups have welcomed Labour’s commitment. Francesca Albanese, from a prominent housing charity, expressed support for the immediate ban on Section 21 evictions, stating it would “empower tenants to raise complaints when needed and protect families from homelessness”.
However, Albanese also called for further measures to address rising rents, suggesting that Labour should “go further to slam the brakes on soaring rents, limiting increases to the lower of wage growth or inflation”.
As the Renters’ Rights Bill is set to have its first Commons reading next week, the debate over rental reform continues. Labour’s proposals signal a significant shift in housing policy, potentially reshaping the landscape for both tenants and landlords in England.
