Citizens Advice assisted a higher number of individuals facing issues related to Section 21 'no fault' evictions than in any previous month on record.
The organization supported almost 2,000 people dealing with Section 21 problems, marking a 25% increase since May 2022. These alarming figures reflect a growing demand for support in the face of eviction threats in the rental market.
Citizens Advice is cautioning that the proposed legislation must effectively prevent backdoor 'no fault' evictions from occurring in order to improve renters' rights.
The charity asserts that although the bill represents a step in the right direction, it still leaves room for potential exploitation by landlords who may use alternative eviction grounds and excessive rent increases to unfairly force tenants out of their homes.
During the first five months of 2023, Citizens Advice witnessed a staggering 9% increase in the number of individuals seeking assistance after receiving a Section 21 notice, making this year a record year for the organisation. Clearly, there is an urgent need for comprehensive protections that safeguard tenants' rights and provide them with security in their homes.
A key concern raised by Citizens Advice is the introduction of new eviction grounds in the Renters Reform Bill.
Under these provisions, landlords can evict tenants after just six months into a tenancy if they wish to sell a property or move family members in. The bill does not require landlords to provide evidence that they have acted on their claims once a tenant has vacated the premises. This omission creates a significant loophole that could be exploited by unscrupulous landlords seeking to unjustly evict tenants.
Citizens Advice's research reveals that 48% of renters who have experienced an eviction were told by their landlords that the property was being sold.
Citizens Advice highlights the potential use of excessive rent increases to coerce tenants into leaving.
Last year alone, 1.8 million households faced rent hikes or threats of increases, resulting in 300,000 renters being forced out of their homes. Less than 10% of renters who challenged rent increases from their landlords were successful.
Citizens Advice is urging the government to rectify the loopholes in the Renters Reform Bill.
The organisation calls for the implementation of stronger safeguards to ensure that tenants receive the promised protection and security.
Citizens Advice also advocates for an extension of the duration in which new tenants are shielded from 'no fault' eviction grounds, proposing an increase from six months to two years. Additionally, they claim measures must be put in place to prevent landlords who claim the need to sell a property from rapidly re-letting it, thereby circumventing the intended protections.
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