Departing Generation Rent chief hails Section 21 abolition

While landlords in England now face a very different possession system after the abolition of Section 21, the reform has been hailed as a defining victory by one of its leading campaigners.

Generation Rent’s departing chief executive, Ben Twomey, said ending so-called no-fault evictions in England was the achievement of which he was most proud as he prepared to leave the organisation.

In a farewell message posted on LinkedIn, Mr Twomey said he had taken the job as a renter with personal experience of housing insecurity and uncertainty.

Proud to end Section 21

He said: “When I took on this role, I did so as a renter who knew first-hand what it feels like to live with insecurity and uncertainty.

“Over the past few years, I’ve had the privilege of speaking in the media, in parliaments and across the country to help make the case that everyone who rents needs a secure, decent and affordable place to call home.”

He added: “I’m incredibly proud that together we secured an end to Section 21 no-fault evictions in England and stood up for renters everywhere in the UK.

“Among a great many highlights, the fact that renters in England can no longer be kicked out with just two months’ notice and no reason given, is a game changer.

“It was a leading cause of homelessness, and it feels incredible to know those evictions are now rightly consigned to the dustbin of history.”

Helping secure change

Mr Twomey credited Generation Rent’s staff, board, funders and other renter campaign groups, alongside policymakers and journalists, for helping to secure the change.

He also thanked renters who had shared their experiences with the organisation and supported its campaigns.

He said: “Achievements like these belong to an exceptional team, an engaged board, brilliant funders, countless pro-renter organisations, supportive policymakers, journalists who amplified renter voices.

“And, most importantly, the thousands of renters who trusted us with their stories and turned their experiences of injustice into a movement for change.”

Supporters’ praise

Supporters responded to the announcement by praising his work at the campaign group.

Conor O’Shea, the head of campaigns at the Economic Change Unit, said: “A job superbly done. You should be so proud of your achievements, and it was an honour to work with you on them.”

Rita Waters, group chief executive for England and Wales at the National Youth Advocacy Service, said: “Well done Ben for everything you’ve achieved.

“You’ve done so much for renters – you should feel rightly proud of yourself and your team. Your next adventure awaits you – let the excitement begin.”

Cassandra Söderström, the events and operations manager at Greenpeace UK, added: “Massive effort at the helm of Generation Rent, Ben, and huge congratulations for everything you and your team achieved!”

More renting campaigns

Mr Twomey said campaigning for changes to renting would continue after his departure.

He said: “The fight for decent homes isn’t over, but I leave knowing our movement is stronger than ever.

“As I finish this chapter, Generation Rent’s staff mantra is ringing in my ears loud and clear, and it feels more hopeful than ever: “Renting can, must and will get better.”