Landlords could potentially exploit an eviction loophole in the Renters’ Rights Bill

A critical flaw may have been found in the Renters’ Rights Bill (RRB) which might allow landlords to circumvent the ban on no-fault evictions, one firm says.

The analysis by Inventory Base reveals that while the legislation will abolish Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions, landlords could exploit the issue of carrying out major property repairs.

Section 6B of the Bill, if enacted as drafted, would permit landlords to reclaim properties for substantial refurbishment.

This might seem justifiable since properties do require maintenance and landlords are facing the possibility of upgrading homes to meet the EPC C rating by 2030.

However, Inventory Base cautions that the Bill’s provision lacks clarity.

And without tight controls, it could become a pretext for evictions.

Section 6B could be sensible

The firm’s operations director, Siân Hemming-Metcalfe, said: “Section 6B could be a sensible reform – if it’s handled properly.

“But without clear definitions and proper oversight, it runs the risk of being misused, disputed or even ignored.

“The rental sector needs transparency, accountability and balance – and independently commissioned inventory reports can help deliver exactly that.”

She adds: “If landlords, tenants and local authorities all want a fair, functional system, evidence-backed documentation needs to be part of the equation.

“Otherwise, we’re looking at yet another policy change that creates more problems than it solves.”

What are ‘major works’

Essentially, the ambiguity surrounding what constitutes ‘major works’ poses another challenge.

That’s because the Bill fails to specify whether this includes comprehensive renovations, structural fixes or simpler upgrades like new kitchens.

This vagueness could trigger numerous disputes, overwhelming councils and courts as tenants contest the legitimacy of their removals.

The firm says that independent inventory reports could provide a solution for landlords by adding transparency and accountability.

These documents could verify a property’s condition before work begins, ensuring that claimed repairs are necessary rather than cosmetic.

Ongoing checks during projects would confirm that renovations are progressing as stated, preventing abuse of the system.

The firm found that in England and Wales in 2020, court bailiffs carried out 7,451 repossession orders, which climbed to 9,471 in 2021.

The figure surged to 19,651 in 2022 after pandemic restrictions eased, then escalated further to 25,282 in 2023 and 27,993 in 2024.