Could new Eviction Laws increase homelessness in Oxford?

The major change was welcomed by renter groups, but this change comes with warnings that it could increase homelessness without better Legal Aid access and support for tenants.

The Government’s Renters Rights Act, which came into force on May 1, abolishes Section 21 “no-fault” evictions and aims to give renters greater security.

But the Law Society has raised concerns that many renters will be unable to enforce their new rights or navigate legal disputes due to a lack of Legal Aid support.

Mark Evans, president of the Law Society of England and Wales, said: “If our Government truly believes in acting for the common good, they must guarantee that all of us, no matter where we live or how much money we have, we need to access justice.”

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Recent research by the Law Society shows that more than 25 million people across England and Wales, over 40 per cent of the population have no access to a local law firm specialising in housing Legal Aid.

Homelessness is already rising in Oxfordshire, with more than 1,170 households affected in 2024–25.

Without Legal Aid, the Law Society warns that renters could face “an uphill struggle” to challenge landlords, enforce their rights, or understand complex new legislation.

Mr Evans said: “For these rights to be real, there must be free legal advice for people where rogue landlords break the rules and do not comply with the new Act.”

The introduction of the Renters Rights Act has also fuelled “no-fault eviction” notices just before the new law came into effect, with landlords seeking to regain possession before the law changed.

Mr Evans said: “Legal aid can make the difference between home and homelessness.

Oxford Renters’ Union marked the introduction of the Act with its first public campaign on May 1, calling on renters to challenge unfair rent increases through housing tribunals.

“Our research shows that despite growing demand for legal advice, the number of legal aid firms able to provide advice to families pushed from their homes has dwindled.”

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Oxford Renters’ Union launched on May 1 with a march through the city (Image: Oxford Renters’ Union)

The group campaigns against rent increases as Oxford remains one of the least affordable cities in the UK, with average house prices more than 15 times the average salary.

Around a third of private homes in the city are rented, compared to the national average of 20.5 per cent.

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said the Government “inherited a legal aid system under immense strain, which is why we are investing millions in housing legal aid”.

Charity Shelter described the Renters Rights Act as “a quantum leap forward in the fight for renters’ rights” and estimated it could protect more than 2,000 households a month from eviction without a legal reason.