Millions face homelessness despite ‘no-fault eviction’ ban

The Renters Rights Act came into force on May 1 and ended the power for landlords to turf out tenants without a legal reason, as well as banned bidding wars to rent a property.

Labour’s move to ban section 21 “no fault” evictions has been hailed by campaigners as a landmark moment for delivering greater security for renters, but some have suggested there could be unintended consequences of the change.

Simon Hewett-Avison, Homeless Oxfordshire CEO, said: “We welcome the intention behind the Renters’ Rights Act and the ending of Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, which have been a major driver of homelessness across Oxfordshire and the wider UK. Greater security for renters is an important step forward.

“However, we are concerned that without proper access to legal advice and support, some tenants could still face homelessness through prolonged disputes, rent arrears, or unlawful evictions.

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“In areas like Oxfordshire, where housing costs are already extremely high and affordable homes are in short supply, even a short period of instability can push people into crisis.

“The Government must now ensure that Legal Aid services are properly funded and accessible, so tenants and landlords can resolve issues fairly and early.

“We also urgently need more investment in genuinely affordable housing, homelessness prevention services, and support for people at risk of losing their homes.

“The public can help by supporting local homelessness charities, challenging stigma around homelessness, and encouraging early advice-seeking for anyone struggling with housing insecurity.”

The Law Society published new research on access to Legal Aid and warned of the possibility of a rise in homelessness, if tenants are forced to enter into legal disputes with their landlords without access to Legal Aid funded lawyers.

The research shows that more than 25 million people across England and Wales – more than 40 per cent of the population – have no access to a local law firm dealing with Legal Aid work and specialising in housing cases.

Law Society of England and Wales president Mark Evans 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 – have what we need to access justice.

“The decision to end ‘no-fault’ evictions via the Renters’ Rights Act levels the playing field between tenants and landlords.

“However, 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.”