Sky News Section 21 story suggests a deeper problem to me
3 days ago | 5 comments
Government insists landlords should not evict tenants before Section 21 ban
8:06 AM, 27th April 2026, 3 hours ago
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The government claims “there is no need for landlords to evict tenants” ahead of the Renters’ Rights Act.
In a written question, Baroness Taylor of Stevenage claims landlords “should give tenants the housing security they deserve”.
Despite the government’s claims, tenant groups claim landlords are rushing evictions ahead of the legislation.
Prevent unnecessary evictions
In a written question, Conservative peer Lord Jamieson asked: “What assessment have the government made of the risk of pre-emptive evictions of private rented sector tenants prior to the full commencement of the abolition of no-fault evictions; and what is their policy on ministerial engagement with individuals or companies undertaking such activity.”
In response, Baroness Stevenage claimed landlords should not evict tenants ahead of the legislation coming into force and pointed to a decrease in the number of Section 21 evictions ahead of the ban taking effect on 1 May.
She said: “The government is clear that there is no need for landlords to evict tenants ahead of the ban on no fault evictions on 1 May and landlords should give tenants the housing security they deserve.
“We will continue to engage across the sector ahead of 1 May to prevent unnecessary evictions and ensure smooth implementation of the new tenancy system.
“Landlords will have robust grounds for possession where there is good reason to take their property back. As such, my Department does not expect a spike in section 21 evictions ahead of the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act on 1 May 2026.
“The latest Ministry of Justice official possession statistics show that there was a 17% decrease in section 21 accelerated possession claims in England in October to December 2025 when compared to the same quarter in the previous year.”
As previously reported by Property118, claims of an eviction spike come from Acorn, which said almost a third of cases reported by members this year involved no-fault notices, up from 21% in the autumn.
Tags:
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, evictions, Ministry of Justice possession data, Renters’ Rights Act, section 21, section 21 ban
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Related Articles
James Cleverley blames Labour’s Renters’ Rights Act after receiving Section 21 notice
3 days ago | 20 comments
Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1591
9:58 AM, 27th April 2026, About 1 hour ago
With local elections looming I g, social media will be filled with Labour MPs claiming banning Section 21 ‘No Fault’ evictions is popular.
Maybe it is but only amongst those that choose to ignore the facts.
Fact 1. Section 21 was never ‘no fault’. It was just ‘no reason needed to be given’.
Fact 2. Section 8 has grounds that are no fault of the tenant.
Fact 3. Most evictions are because of government policies that make investing in property and the U.K. less attractive.
Section 8 needs a new ground…
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‘Government policy has caused the landlord to seek possession.’
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3543 - Articles: 5
10:00 AM, 27th April 2026, About 1 hour ago
hahahah – ‘insist’ all they like. I’m not listening.
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3543 - Articles: 5
10:04 AM, 27th April 2026, About 1 hour ago
the true figure will be known after 31st July…..
Add to this the number of (previously let) properties now on the market, and the status of supply of rentals available will answer all questions in regard to how well the RRA has been received, and what the ‘unintended’ (read – known but ignored) consequences have been (so far)
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3543 - Articles: 5
10:08 AM, 27th April 2026, About 1 hour ago
Reply to the comment left by Cider Drinker at 27/04/2026 – 09:58
The incoming S8 means that all reasons have to be given. Although that might not be a specific ground, that does not means you cant put that is part of your reasoning for using the ground you choose.
You want to sell? Use the selling ground and put this as the reason.
Member Since July 2013 - Comments: 2004 - Articles: 21
10:49 AM, 27th April 2026, About 36 minutes ago
“Baroness Taylor of Stevenage claims landlords “should give tenants the housing security they deserve”.”
How about giving landlords the security in their possessions that they deserve? How about reducing from three months to five weeks the level of rent arrears before a landlord can take action to evict . Failing that how about allowing the deposit to be increased to match the period?
How about requiring tenants to sign a legally binding undertaking to pay off arrears within a reasonable time as a condition of not being required to leave on the court date. Failure to comply to be met with similar penalties that landlords face, e.g. £7000 fines?
How about not threatening landlords with £7000 fines for using an out of date tenancy agreement that contains reference to a fixed term?
How about not throwing out a claim for possession where the tenant is £10,000 in arrears because one penny too much deposit was taken at the start of the tenancy?
How about encouraging those who provide homes for renters instead of persecuting them? Landlords also deserve justice. They are getting the opposite and to add insult to injury are being called rogues.