As the Renters’ Rights Act prepares to come into force in England on Friday, solicitors report a last-minute surge in requests to serve section 21 no-fault eviction notices. The new legislation, hailed as the biggest change to renting in a generation, bans no-fault evictions, limits rent increases, and abolishes fixed-term tenancies.
Surge in Eviction Notices
Law firms have been inundated with instructions from landlords seeking to evict tenants before the ban takes effect. Mustafa Sidki, a partner at Thackray Williams, a London- and Kent-based law firm, described the period as “absolutely manically busy.” His firm has seen a fourfold increase in section 21 instructions compared to last year. Many landlords are concerned about covering mortgage payments without rental income if tenant relationships break down, leading them to pursue evictions under the current system, which is perceived as quicker and easier than the new rules.
The last-minute nature of requests has posed logistical challenges. With no time to post notices, landlords are paying for hand delivery. Sidki advised clients to hand-serve documents or hire process servers, taking photographic evidence to prove service by the May 1 deadline.
Tenants Struggling to Find Housing
Many tenants are choosing to stay put until receiving a warrant of possession, due to a lack of available housing. Sidki noted that many people say there is no housing elsewhere and they cannot access social housing. While the intention of the new law is good, he emphasized that the underlying lack of housing remains a critical issue.
Citizens Advice has also seen a rise in inquiries. In March, the charity helped 2,335 people facing no-fault evictions, up 16% from the previous year. Additionally, over 1,800 people sought help with disrepair issues like damp and mould, and more than 1,000 with rent increases.
Key Provisions of the Renters’ Rights Act
The new law bans no-fault evictions, limits rent increases to once a year, and restricts upfront rent demands to one month’s payment. Bidding wars for rental properties are prohibited, as are fixed-term tenancies. Councils gain new powers to investigate and clamp down on rogue landlords. The Act also bans discrimination against tenants on benefits or with children and allows renters to request pets, which landlords cannot unreasonably refuse.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated: “For too long, families have lived with the constant fear of eviction while young people have been outbid for the homes they need to start their lives. Today we are putting that right. This historic action will make renting fairer, safer and more secure for millions.”
Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, called Friday “a new era for private renters across England.” He added: “This new law is a vital step towards rebalancing power between renters and landlords. For decades, section 21 evictions forced renters to live in fear of being turfed out of our homes, preventing us from raising valid concerns with our landlords. At last, this outdated and unfair law has been sent packing.”
