End to no-fault evictions would ‘devastate PRS’, warns NLA

A government repeal of no-fault evictions would “devastate” the private rented sector, according to the National Landlords Association. It said the sector would shrink by 20% if section 21 no-fault evictions were abolished. In April, the government proposed a ban on section 21 evictions, which allow private landlords to evict tenants at short notice without good reason. But, a report from Capital Economics on behalf of the NLA forecasts that an end to section 21 would cut 960,000 dwellings from the sector. It also said 13% of properties, some 600,000 homes, could expect rent increases. The report suggested a reformed court process for section 8 evictions, strengthening legal evictions. Chris Norris, director of policy and practice at the NLA, said: “The government has clearly failed to recognise the realities of the private rented sector by proposing the abolition of Section 21. “Any government which thinks it appropriate to risk the loss of nearly 1 million rental homes at a time of housing crisis needs to reassess its priorities as a matter of urgency. “Rather than playing to the gallery, the government should be looking to support and incentivise good landlords to remain active and provide homes to those who need them, rather than making it harder and causing these landlords to exit the market.” Demands from the NLA echo calls from the private sector, lambasting the government’s proposed rental reform. Leaders from Aberdeen Standard Investments, Cortland and Howard de Walden Estate have criticised the plans, which they say are outdated and fail to address the real issues facing the industry. To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette