Private Rental Market

Opened the debate

The MP called for a debate regarding shocking treatment of residents by their landlord, highlighting the power imbalance between private landlords and tenants. She mentioned several families receiving eviction notices or facing rent hikes up to 40%. After weeks of negotiation, some residents received more favourable terms but some had already been displaced. The MP urged the Government to end section 21 evictions as promised in the manifesto and asked when the renters' reform Bill will be introduced. She highlighted examples of families issued with section 21 notices after living in their flats for decades, unable to afford mortgages due to skyrocketing property prices. Residents received section 13 notices for rent increases up to 40%, which can be lengthy and complex to challenge through tribunals. The Mayor of London supports reforming court processes to make it easier for renters to challenge rent hikes and evictions. Living with uncertainty affects mental health, education, and disrepair reporting. With the number of private renters expected to grow, comprehensive legislation is needed. She asked when the Bill will be introduced and demanded more affordable homes.

Government Response

The Minister acknowledged the debate on insecurity in the private rented sector, highlighting it as a human right to feel safe and secure in one's home. He noted that millions of tenants are living with no-fault eviction threats and pledged to abolish section 21 evictions through legislation, reflecting their determination to drive out rogue landlords. The Government plans to publish a White Paper later this year to set out the blueprint for reforms, ensuring wide consultations with stakeholders from across the sector to get it right. During the pandemic, they banned bailiff evictions and extended notice periods, providing financial support and reducing homelessness assessments and rough sleepers. He committed to ending no-fault evictions by requiring specific reasons for eviction and protecting tenants from revenge evictions. Landlords can increase rent during fixed-term agreements or annually under section 13, with independent adjudication available through tribunals. The Government is clear about avoiding any unintended negative consequences related to abolishing section 21. For affordability concerns, they provide support through the welfare system and financial packages, showing that most renters are up-to-date with their rent despite pandemic pressures. He assured that reforms will ensure good landlords can flourish while protecting tenants from sharp practices and removing criminal landlords, building back better from the pandemic to deliver a fairer private rented sector.