Charity urges protection for bereaved renters in Renters (Reform) Bill
One charity is calling for changes to help protect bereaved renters.
According to Marie Curie, an estimated 300,000 people across England and Wales are forced to move home following the death of someone they live with every year.
The end-of-life charity says the Renters (Reform) Bill must protect bereaved renters from eviction.
400 renters could be evicted from their homes
The Renters (Reform) Bill passed its final stage in the House of Commons this week and will now head to the House of Lords for debate.
Matthew Reed, chief executive of Marie Curie, says without protection more than 400 renters could be evicted from their homes.
He said: “A complete absence of compassion could be seeing renters evicted at the rate of almost 400 a day because the person they lived with has died.
“The death of someone you live with, whether they be a family member, a partner or a friend, is a uniquely distressing event.
“Bereaved renters often experience a significant and immediate loss of household income, as well as additional costs like preparing funerals and memorials for their loved ones.
“They should not have to deal with the stress, pain and anxiety of losing their home, and all the memories it holds, as well.”
Landlords use bereavement as a trojan horse to remove tenants
Clive Betts MP, Chair of the Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Select Committee, has signed amendments to the Renters (Reform) Bill that would protect the rights of bereaved renters.
He said: “It is utterly unacceptable that private landlords are able to use bereavement as a trojan horse to remove tenants.
“If the government is genuinely committed to protecting renters, it must use the Renters (Reform) Bill to give tenants the peace of mind that amidst the very worst circumstances, their basic right to shelter and safety will not be jeopardised.”
He adds the issue of eviction is particularly worsening for younger people in London.
He said: “The issue is getting worse as more people are forced to rent in the face of record housing unaffordability, with rates double what they were three years ago.
“The problem is especially acute for young people and Londoners – those who live in the capital or are between 18 and 34 years old are more than twice as likely to be forced out of their homes because of the issue.
“As the law stands, landlords can evict renters if the named tenant dies, even if the surviving renters continue to fully pay rent and there are no other grounds for eviction.”
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Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1573
9:55 AM, 26th April 2024, About 2 years ago
Marie Curie needs to lobby government demanding that the DWP support bereaved tenants by ensuring that their rents can be paid despite their lack of planning.
I think I’ve made my last donation to Marie Curie.
Anybody ever heard of life insurance?
Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190
10:17 AM, 26th April 2024, About 2 years ago
Well what’s a landlord supposed to do if there’s a mortgage on the property and the rent’s not being paid ? Offer to pay the lender in chocolate buttons ?
“Landlords use bereavement as a trojan horse to remove tenants” so landlords are now causing the deaths of tenants ?
Member Since June 2015 - Comments: 330
10:27 AM, 26th April 2024, About 2 years ago
Perhaps charities should be paying any rent shortfall until the financial impact of bereavement can be dealt with?
Even if a life insurance policy exists it doesn’t pay out instantly but a loan or overdraft should be possible on the strength of its existence..
There’s also the possibility of Councils making a Discretionary Housing Payment or hardship payment.
It certainly shouldn’t be the landlord who loses out when there are so many other options available.
Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1134
10:34 AM, 26th April 2024, About 2 years ago
As the death of the tenant doesnt end the tenancy, its actually the tenants executors, (usually their relatives) that are demanding the other person leave, but why let the facts ruin a good anti-landlord story.
Member Since January 2024 - Comments: 340
10:50 AM, 26th April 2024, About 2 years ago
Why doesn’t the charity urge ministers to give protection to landlords of bereaved renters, so that they can continue to provide shelter for survivors, without facing financial hardship and stress?
Member Since September 2023 - Comments: 92
11:55 AM, 26th April 2024, About 2 years ago
Can I see the real stats which would split out social housing suppliers and social tenants where eligibility changes and/or the tenancy cannot be transferred again such as when it can’t be passed to an adult child etc.
Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 1190
12:57 PM, 26th April 2024, About 2 years ago
Marie Curie £5 p.m. subscription just cancelled.
Member Since September 2023 - Comments: 92
1:24 PM, 26th April 2024, About 2 years ago
As an aside based on some of the comments, support your local respite care who tend to be small none national conglomerates. They do a phenomenal job without the publicity and are always underfunded
Member Since September 2023 - Comments: 335
4:26 PM, 26th April 2024, About 2 years ago
Start with councils and housing associations if the tenancy agreements are in for arguments sake mams name ,she passes away the family are evicted happens regular.
Member Since November 2016 - Comments: 227
5:58 PM, 26th April 2024, About 2 years ago
It’s awful to lose a loved one, but the mortgage still has to be paid, along with gas, water, electricity…