Thousands of Homes Face Possible Eviction Due to Postponed Law Implementation
In a troubling reminder of the ongoing homelessness crisis in England, Kelvin, a resident of a privately rented London house-share for three years, was unexpectedly evicted with no given reason. Kelvin's story highlights the potential hardships faced by individuals evicted without proper notice.
Kelvin spent time sofa-surfing after his eviction, while continuing to work. He eventually found temporary accommodation at Your Place, a charity that helps people on the streets. Kelvin expressed gratitude for the support and stability provided by his keyworker at Your Place.
The incident involving Kelvin's eviction serves as a stark reminder of the need for action to address the homelessness crisis in England. Research from Homeless Link, a leading homelessness charity, reveals that 84,650 households in England have faced eviction in the last five years after approaching local councils for support. This research was conducted by analyzing official data from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC).
Moreover, more than 26,000 households had been thrown out of their homes by bailiffs after court proceedings following section 21 notices since the pledge, according to Ministry of Justice figures released earlier this year. Those who the local authority does not have a duty to support often end up sleeping rough.
The local authority's statutory duty to help households with section 21 notices often results in them trying to keep them in their current property, finding them another private rented property, or placing them in temporary accommodation at a huge expense. However, the eviction of Kelvin, despite him keeping up with rent and bills, underscores the complexities and uncertainties of private rental arrangements.
Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link, stated that it is not right for someone to be evicted from their home for no reason with just two months' notice. He emphasised the importance of temporary accommodation services like Your Place for those experiencing homelessness.
The Conservative Party, despite a pledge to scrap section 21 notices, which allow landlords to end tenancies with just two months' notice, has not taken action to do so. Theresa May, former prime minister of the Conservative party, announced in April 2019 that this legislation would be scrapped, but it is still not done five years later.
The Renters’ Rights Bill, expected to be introduced in autumn 2025, aims to completely abolish Section 21 no-fault evictions, replace them with enhanced Section 8 eviction processes, provide tenants with a 12-month protected period at the start of tenancies, and prevent landlords who evict tenants to sell properties from immediately relisting them. The bill is expected to be implemented early in 2026.
Until then, Section 21 evictions persist, contributing to ongoing housing insecurity and homelessness risks in England. Homelessness charities warn that without the abolition of Section 21 notices, many tenants continue to face unjust evictions and risk homelessness. There is pressure on the government to accelerate the legislation’s progress and set a firm implementation date to protect renters.
- Kelvin's eviction, despite him keeping up with rent and bills, highlights the complexities and uncertainties of private rental arrangements, creating concerns about housing insecurity and homelessness risks in England.
- The research from Homeless Link, an leading homelessness charity, reveals that a staggering 84,650 households in England have faced eviction in the last five years, emphasizing the need for policy-and-legislation changes in mental-health and general-news sectors.
- Rick Henderson, chief executive of Homeless Link, advocates for the importance of temporary accommodation services like Your Place for those experiencing homelessness, addressing the ever-growing need for health-and-wellness support in this vulnerable population.
- The Conservative Party, responsible for previous pledges to address the homelessness crisis in England, has yet to take action to abolish Section 21 notices, leading to ongoing crime-and-justice issues and questions about their commitment in politics.
