Renters’ Reform Coalition demands compensation for ‘no-fault’ evictions

The Renters’ Reform Coalition is calling for the government to introduce compensation for tenants who are evicted under the new Renters’ Rights Bill.

In a report, the coalition argues that the legislation falls short in protecting tenants from the financial hardship from Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions.

The coalition proposes that evicted tenants be given ‘an automatic right’ to two months’ non-payment of rent at the end of their tenancy.

It says the compensation would help mitigate the costs of moving, such as van hire, cleaning and broadband installation, as well as the potential loss of earnings.

Call to consider rent controls

The report is also urging the government to consider rent controls with a commission investigating the sector to help make rents ‘affordable’.

The coalition also wants rent caps, stricter selective licensing schemes and there’s a demand that all grounds for possession be discretionary.

The report also calls for tenants to be protected from a Section 21 eviction for the first TWO YEARS of a tenancy.

‘Frankly ridiculous section 21 still exists’

Tom Darling, director of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, told The Standard: “It’s frankly ridiculous section 21 still exists – we’re approaching six years since the previous government first promised to abolish it, while every indicator on the dashboard has been going in the wrong direction.”

He added that renting campaigners welcome the Renters’ Rights Bill, which is a ‘significant’ improvement on the Renters (Reform) Bill.

Mr Darling also said: “The government should hold their nerve in the face of threats from landlords of a wave of evictions before the reforms come in.

“This threat in itself shows why change is so desperately needed.”

An unwanted move can cost £1,709

According to a report by Generation Rent, an unwanted move can cost a typical two-adult tenant household an average of £1,709.

These unexpected expenses, it says, can push renters into poverty, debt or homelessness.

The coalition believes that compensation would help to alleviate these costs.

The Renters’ Reform Coalition’s is also urging the government to strengthen other protections for renters under the Renters’ Rights Bill.

These include making all grounds for possession discretionary and addressing issues of affordability and discrimination in the PRS.

A Roadmap to Reform

The full list of demands in the Renters’ Reform Coalition report – A Roadmap to Reform – includes:

• No-fault eviction compensation: Tenants should receive compensation in the form of non-payment of rent in the final two months before a no-fault eviction
• Longer protected period: Renters should be protected from no-fault eviction for the first two years of a tenancy
• Discretionary possession grounds: All grounds for possession should be discretionary, allowing courts to consider all factors before issuing an eviction
• Addressing affordability: A National Rental Affordability Commission should be established to investigate rent control measures and other ways to make renting more affordable
• Rent stabilisation: Rent increases should be capped at the lowest of either inflation or wage growth
• Mediated rent pauses for serious disrepair: Renters should have the right to pause rent payments if landlords fail to carry out essential repairs
• Strengthening enforcement and selective licensing: Local authorities should be better funded and supported to enforce regulations and expand selective licensing schemes
• Ending discrimination: The Bill should introduce limits on guarantor requirements and provide stronger protections against disability and racial discrimination
• Tackling illegal evictions: The government should strengthen powers to address illegal evictions.