Since the Renters’ Rights Bill was announced, the abolition of Section 21 “no-fault” evictions has been a central focus. The removal of this eviction notice will significantly impact the lettings process. How can letting agents prepare?
The Renters’ Rights Bill aims to reform the English private rental sector and strengthen tenants' rights. However, letting agents must adapt to manage tenancy processes without Section 21.
Here’s a guide for letting agents on how to navigate the eviction process without it:
In our 7th annual State of the Lettings Industry Report, we asked letting agents and landlords about the impact of abolishing Section 21 on the private rental sector.
The results showed growing concern, with 69.7% of letting agents, landlords and industry professionals fearing the negative consequences. This is a 13.5% increase from last year when only 56.2% shared the same view.
In our report, Dutton Gregory’s Associate Solicitor Ryan Heaven, comments: “Most landlords knew that the writing was on the wall for Section 21 when the Renters Reform saga was going on and, for some landlords, losing that control is a deal-breaker. That said, there will definitely be landlords waiting for complete certainty before making a decision and when a date is set they will leave.”
For more insights, download the full State of the Lettings Industry Report.
The Renters’ Rights Bill is set for its Second Reading on 7 October, where MPs will debate it for the first time. If it passes, the Bill will move to the Committee Stage in the House of Commons.
While a final date hasn’t been confirmed, Ryan Heaven, lettings legislative expert and Associate Solicitor of Dutton Gregory Solicitors, suggests the law could come into effect in December 2024 or January 2025.
To find out more about Ryan Heaven’s insights, watch our video
Letting agents need to understand the potential impact of Section 21’s abolishment on their landlords. Our State of the Lettings Industry Report found that 56% of landlords are considering selling their properties due to incoming legislation.
Supporting landlords through this transition is crucial. Proactive agents can minimise concerns before the Renters’ Rights Bill comes into force.
The Renters’ Rights Bill guide, provided by the government, states that if implemented, landlords or letting agents can evict tenants only through Section 8 notices, with “specific circumstances in which a landlord can regain possession”.
Section 8 notices can only be served in a “prescribed form” with a required notice period for a tenant.
With this bill, Labour has integrated new or amended grounds of possession under Section 8 which include:
As with current eviction processes, if the tenant doesn’t vacate, landlords will need to provide evidence in court to enforce the Section 8 ground.