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A letter from Communities Minister Jacob Young to Conservative MPs was leaked last Wednesday, leading to accusations over the Easter weekend that the government was significantly watering down some of the key provisions of the Tenants Reform Bill. .
One national newspaper described the possible changes as a “shameful betrayal”.
Already long in the works, the bill does not appear to immediately end Section 21’s “no-fault evictions,” but it would prohibit tenants from terminating a lease within the first six months and allow landlords to This will ensure that students are allowed to leave. Tenants will be evicted at the end of the school year and evicted tenants will be entitled to homelessness support from their local council based on their new holdings.
The reason for doubts about the prohibition on Section 21 notices (which could lead to no-fault evictions) is the recognition that courts are unlikely to be able to cope with the large number of alternative eviction proceedings that could follow such an event. This is because there is. Ban. The proposed amendments outlined in Young’s letter would require the Chancellor to publish an assessment of the court’s “readiness” before such a ban is enacted. Campaigners are likely to see such a clause as effectively kicking Article 21’s prohibition into the long grass.
Early last month, Jacob Young told Parliament: “We are absolutely committed to repealing section 21. I am personally committed to that and will reinstate the bill as soon as possible.” said.
A group of around 50 Conservative MPs, many of whom are also private landlords, are campaigning for the tenancy reform bill to be delayed and amended, saying the planned tenant protections are too harsh for landlords. ing. They say the changes will force landlords to sell and reduce the supply of rental properties. In his letter, Jacob Young said he would listen to their concerns and move forward with changes to the proposal.
The Renters Reform Coalition, which represents tenant organizations, accused the government of “selling renters down to the river”. The shelter reportedly said there would be a “lock-in” for the first six months of a new lease, which could “trap renters in a hellish situation.”
Tom Darling, the Coalition’s campaign manager, was quoted as saying: Otherwise, this law will do little to improve the current situation, and in some cases will make it worse. ”
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “The Government has a mission to end section 21 foreclosures. We are focused on ensuring it is fair for both parties. The proposed changes will achieve this balance.”
The Guardian did not condemn any possible amendments to the bill. “Rishi Sunak’s government had an opportunity to assert tenant rights as a legacy. Instead, it chose a cowardly delay.” The opinion also said:
“This capitulation to landlords under the guise of a reasonable compromise is actually a shameful betrayal. There is bipartisan support for the renter reform bill, even if you are a landlord yourself and have been involved in lobbying to water down the bill.” Ministers would have had no difficulty passing the ban through the Commons with the eviction ban in place even if some MPs, including groups in the UK, had rebelled. Opinion polls show that people are We recognize the seriousness of the house affordability crisis and its impact on the lives of young people in particular. It is a political choice to put the interests of landlords ahead of those of renters.”
The Department for Housing and Community Improvement says the bill will make the private rental sector fairer for tenants and landlords, and give people more security of rented housing by abolishing section 21. . Amendments to the bill are likely to be introduced at the reporting stage of the parliamentary process in the coming weeks.