Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Private Rented Sector

Monday 11 January 2021 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to abolish no-fault evictions in the private rented sector.
  • Extended eviction bans and introduced six-month notice periods during the pandemic.
  • Government measures include banning evictions, extending mortgage holidays, and providing financial support for rough sleepers and local authorities.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Navendu Mishra Lab Stockport
Housing
Context

Private renters face issues such as no-fault evictions, leading to insecurity and potential homelessness. The government has previously taken steps like extending eviction bans during the pandemic.

Question

I am concerned about the security of tenure for tenants in the private rented sector, with hundreds of thousands at risk of eviction once pandemic protections are lifted. Local organisations have called for an end to no-fault evictions under section 21. When will you deliver your manifesto commitment to abolish such evictions?

Answer from Kelly Tolhurst

We are committed to abolishing no-fault evictions and have already extended eviction bans during the pandemic, including a six-week extension last week. We also introduced a six-month notice period to give tenants time before court proceedings start.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The exact timeline for abolition of section 21 evictions was not provided.

How: We Are Committed

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Q2 Navendu Mishra Lab Stockport
Housing
Context

Eviction bans during the pandemic have provided temporary relief, but many fear for their housing security once protections end. Local organisations campaign against section 21 evictions.

Question

Hundreds of thousands of people are at risk of being evicted when current eviction prohibitions are lifted after the pandemic. The hon. Member mentioned local organisations in my constituency campaigning to end section 21 evictions. When will you deliver your manifesto commitment to do so?

Answer from Kelly Tolhurst

We have taken significant steps during the pandemic, including extending eviction bans and introducing six-month notice periods. We are committed to abolishing no-fault evictions but did not specify a timeline.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific timing for abolition of section 21 evictions was omitted.

How: We Are Committed

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Q3 Thangam Debbonaire Lab
NHS Housing
Context

The government's support measures have left many without adequate assistance, leading to rent arrears and potential evictions. A loophole exists where tenants with over six months in arrears face eviction risks.

Question

Millions of people are excluded from covid support schemes. Government statistics show hundreds of thousands falling behind on rent. There's a loophole where those with over six months' arrears risk eviction despite the ban. Did you mean to protect everyone when you said no one should lose their home due to coronavirus?

Answer from Kelly Tolhurst

We have taken unprecedented steps to support renters and prevent homelessness. Our measures include banning evictions, providing a six-month notice period, extending mortgage holidays, offering £700 million to support rough sleepers, and giving £6.4 billion to local authorities for pandemic impacts.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The loophole in eviction rules allowing those with over six months' arrears to face eviction was not addressed directly.

How: We Have Taken Unprecedented Steps, We Are Committed

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