How can a properly justified eviction be illegal under Vagrancy law?

Police officer serving an eviction notice to a worried family, illustrating the repeal of the Vagrancy Act and homelessness debate.

by Readers Question

12:01 AM, 30th June 2026, 3 months ago 2

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Landlord News Landlords Questions

As the Vagrancy law is being repealed today, anyone has the right to sleep rough and beg.

So, to me, I wonder, as this will be a legally allowed thing to do, how can a properly justified eviction be illegal? How can a council tell a tenant not to move out and intentionally make themselves homeless when, from today, being homeless is a perfectly legal situation to find oneself in?

And the courts will rule against a tenant who does not pay the rent, so will councils now be actively encouraging non-paying tenants to actively break the law when they have the right to leave the let and live outside?

Surely this must mean that councils will no longer be obliged to house people, anyone, although clearly children and the infirm/disabled/handicapped will need assistance.

I am not a legal expert, but I wonder what the Property118 community have to say about this?

Thanks,

Marita

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Tags: Eviction, homelessness, rough sleeping, Vagrancy Act

LaLo

Member Since October 2019 - Comments: 437

10:40 AM, 30th June 2026, About 3 months ago

How convenient for the authorities to be able to turn their backs on the homeless. I knew they’d come up with something and now we have it!

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DPT

Member Since October 2020 - Comments: 1354

10:48 AM, 30th June 2026, About 3 months ago

As far as I know the Homelessness Reduction Action 2017 is still in force and still gives Councils a legal duty to intervene.

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