London’s mayor calls for new renter protections in pandemic

Sadiq Khan has urged the government to boost welfare support and scrap evictions to protect private renters during the coronavirus pandemic. He is calling for a ban on section 21 “no fault” evictions and changes to section 8 to prevent landlords from evicting tenants who have accrued arrears as a result of Covid-19. Khan also wants an increase to welfare support, with the Local Housing Allowance rates lifted to median market rents. Last month, housing secretary Robert Jenrick promised a £1bn fund to bolster housing benefits and Universal Credit, which would see the Local Housing Allowance cover at least 30% of market rents. It followed announcements of a three-month ban on evictions, via a temporary suspension of court proceedings until June, and salary subsidies. But London’s mayor says the measures will not be enough to protect households from falling into financial hardship in the coming months. Khan said: “With millions of low paid renters in London now facing increased financial uncertainty we face a ticking time-bomb of debt, arrears and widespread evictions once the suspension in court proceedings is lifted. “The government must urgently put in place measures that will prevent private landlords from evicting tenants who go into arrears as a result of Covid-19.” To send feedback, e-mail emma.rosser@egi.co.uk or tweet @EmmaARosser or @estatesgazette