Unintended benefit of removing s21?
In response to Mark Alexander and others regarding the pros & cons of the Renters Rights Bill, there may be a potential pro.
The removal of the s21 Notice, that the landlord WISHES to regain possession of their property, will backfire on government intentions and on tenants previously “evicted” under s21.
How? I hear you asking.
No landlord evicts for no reason/“no fault”. There is always one or more reasons.
The proposed publicly accessible Landlord Register/Database is not only to include a landlord’s name and address, even if they use a letting agent, but IMPORTANTLY, how many evictions that landlord has carried out. So….
Do the proposed s8 Grounds cover ALL the reasons that tenants have been given their marching orders?
If so, then not only how many evictions need to be noted, but also the s8 Grounds for each eviction. eg Eviction 1: s8 Ground 1; Eviction 2: Grounds 8, 11, 13 & 17 Eviction 3: Ground 6 etc etc etc
However, if the proposed s8 Grounds are not comprehensive enough, then PRS landlords need to compile additional reasons/Grounds that we need to be able to use/could be used and urgently send to MPs and members of the House of Lords. ie property damaged by pets; property unreasonably damaged by kids etc etc.
Listing the s8 Grounds used for EVERY eviction could be useful as a warning to prospective tenants, ie this landlord is not someone who will roll over.
And a warning to tenants, previously “evicted” under s21 and asking for a landlord reference, s8 Grounds May now need to be listed future reference.
Just a couple of thoughts.
Judith
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Member Since June 2019 - Comments: 761
9:14 AM, 21st July 2025, About 9 months ago
If this could in effect become a rogue tenant database it could be the only positive to come from the bill – but sadly I assume only the landlord will be named.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 1996 - Articles: 21
9:16 AM, 21st July 2025, About 9 months ago
I agree Judith and would add that unlike s21 evictions, s8 will mean that a “rogue tenants” database will be created at County Courts. Landlords who previously wrote off arrears and were happy just to get a defaulting tenant out will in future obtain money order judgments against them.
The “can pay, won’t pay” scoundrels who abscond owing thousands will find that there are CCJs against them and those struggling to cope may find the PRS will not accept them without a guarantor of substance.
Member Since May 2015 - Comments: 2188 - Articles: 2
9:57 AM, 21st July 2025, About 9 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Ian Narbeth at 21/07/2025 – 09:16
I agree entirely except for your last sentence which should omit the words “without a guarantor of substance.” I will not accept any tenant who has an unsatisfied CCJ.
Even with section 21 I always obtain a monetary judgement before evicting just to stop another landlord being scammed.
Member Since February 2020 - Comments: 360
10:01 AM, 21st July 2025, About 9 months ago
Reply to the comment left by TheMaluka at 21/07/2025 – 09:57
Thanks, appreciate it!
Member Since February 2024 - Comments: 3
10:16 AM, 21st July 2025, About 9 months ago
With the Court backlog evictions will be harder. This is deliberate govt policy. They don’t present it as such but if they improve the court process they will shoot themselves in the foot and so won’t do it. They can’t make evictions easier due to the housing crisis. Yes it is a quick fix with longer term negative consequences but they can’t afford to think long term.
More arbitration will be the result with more generous settlements including a clean record for the purposes of a good reference for the next unsuspecting victim ll.
So some will evict now while they can ruthless as it sounds. But if your tenant is a poor payer /antisocial and if you are stuck with this type of tenant due to the nature of your offering and your process it will be riskier.
Member Since June 2023 - Comments: 3
11:40 AM, 21st July 2025, About 9 months ago
Just wondering, when this gov register does come in with all our personal data for fraud and scammers to play with, should the ‘Landlord’ be the legal owner or beneficial owner?
Advice was always to keep ASTs, Council tax etc as per land reg to avoid issues but that doesn’t show transfer of liabilities so well.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3508 - Articles: 5
4:48 PM, 21st July 2025, About 9 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Al Shinder at 21/07/2025 – 10:16
will be an interesting ‘conversation’ when pointing this out to the tenant…
If possession times spiral it also means that the rent arrears will continue to clock up…tenants may start screaming that the delays will cause them hardship as a result.
Some might be very willing to surrender as fast as possible to get out of the increasing arrears doom loop for fear of not being able to dig themselves out at a later date.
Member Since September 2024 - Comments: 95
4:51 PM, 21st July 2025, About 9 months ago
So with a Landlords Register my personal home address is going to be available for public viewing or can I use my Solicitor’s address as I do now?
Surely to God, its a Tenant’s Register that’s needed??
Atm all the Tenants from Hell after finally being evicted costing some poor landlords thousands in Court fees , lost rent, and property repair are free to just move on to some other poor unsuspecting Landlord!! Surely these people should be on a register rather than a good honest Landlord!!
Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1575
5:09 PM, 21st July 2025, About 9 months ago
Landlords that choose to stay in the game must select the best candidate from a long of list of would-be tenants.
I like to know the tenant any their family (Parents, grandparents).
Some families are trouble and some would be horrified if a family member didn’t pay rent.
Member Since September 2021 - Comments: 104
10:10 PM, 21st July 2025, About 9 months ago
As far as getting a gaurrentor is concerned the best thing is to get the forms filled in and then phone up the person. Question them about their finances and their ability and willingness to pay what could be a years back rent or more plus costs.
Ask them if they are pensioners and if they own their own home, mortgage free. Explain they may loose their home and have a CCJ set against them if rent arrears build up. Then ask them how well they know the prospective tennant(s) and if they want to risk so much for them?
Hard questions, but you will be doing them and yourself a favour if you ask them. Its a very nasty surprise fir them, when a landlord has to contact the gaurrentor for £1000’s to get the arrears cleared. Most are shocked and vow to never be a gaurrentor again for anyone!