Most Brits support Renters’ Rights Bill – Poll

A poll has found that six in 10 Brits support banning Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions under the Renters’ Rights Bill.

The government has given the Bill its first reading which will see Section 21 eviction being banned, along with a raft of other measures affecting landlords in England.

Respondents were asked by polling firm YouGov, if they support such policies which will generally affect only private rented sector tenants – though only a fifth of the public are private renters.

It found that 60% of people would support a ban on ‘no-fault’ evictions – preferring landlords to give a valid ground for repossession by law.

Supporters across the political spectrum

The poll reveals that the government’s plan for the Bill has supporters across the political spectrum, from just over half of Conservative and Reform UK voters (51-54%) to two-thirds of Labour voters (67%).

It also, not surprisingly, has the backing of eight in 10 (78%) private renters.

However, one in five Brits (21%) opposed the proposal to ban Section 21.

The public also wants tenants to have greater security with longer notices – most respondents said two months’ notice wasn’t long enough.

Rules not strict enough

The poll also reveals that half of the public (49%) believe the existing rules for how landlords must treat their tenants are not strict enough.

One in five (20%) believe they are about right and just 7% think current laws are too strict.

Similarly, just 22% have a favourable view of landlords, while 54% have an unfavourable view.

This net negative view is true across the board, with the most positive opinion of landlords coming among private renters.

YouGov found that 33% of renters have a favourable view of landlords, even if 56% look upon them in a less than favourable light.

Longer notices for longer tenancies

Landlords might be surprised to learn that while most people thought the current notice period was adequate, 37% said it should be shorter – but those who have rented for longer should enjoy more protection.

One in five respondents said that for a tenant renting a property for five years, notice of two months or less would be appropriate (21%).

Also, 23% feel the right notice would be three months, a third (32%) thought it was right, with one in seven (14%) believing a notice of a year or longer should be required.

For tenants who have lived in a property for more than 10 years, a third (33%) felt that a notice of ONE YEAR would be right.

Banning MPs from being landlords

The respondents also support banning MPs from being landlords – just 22% said it should be allowed and 55% said MPs should not be landlords.

This comes after Labour MP Jas Athwal came under criticism after the BBC revealed the poor conditions of some of his rental flats.

If the Renters’ Rights Bill does pass into law, it will underline that Labour is on the side of renters, the polling found.

Just 8% say the government is pro-landlord – when the same question was asked under the Tories, 47% said the Conservative government was on the landlord’s side.

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