CIEH angered by shelving of ban on no-fault evictions

CIEH has expressed anger at news that the UK Government could shelve plans to abolish no-fault evictions.

The Times has been told that the plans, which were due to be introduced in this parliamentary session, are not considered a priority and could be killed off entirely, despite being a manifesto commitment.

CIEH had previously welcomed the UK Government’s commitment to improving housing standards after measures to protect renters and support levelling up were announced during the Queen’s Speech on 10 May.

The long-awaited Renters Reform Bill was announced with a ban on “no-fault” evictions included, ending the current state where people can be evicted without reason at the end of a fixed-term tenancy agreement, or during a tenancy with no fixed end date. The Bill would also apply the legally binding Decent Homes Standard in the Private Rented Sector for the first time, aiming to give tenants safer, better quality and better value homes.

However, reports are now suggesting that the Government is intent on rowing back on its commitments and abandoning renters.

Ross Matthewman, Head of Policy and Campaigns at the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health, said:

“This is incredibly bad news for renters.

It’s been a long three years since the UK Government first announced its intention to ban no-fault evictions, and the measures outlined in the Queen’s Speech earlier this year pointed to real progress. Reports that these proposals could now be dropped are deeply worrying.

Instead of shelving these plans, the Government should keep its word to end no-fault evictions and require genuine grounds for repossession of tenanted property.

Eviction causes enormous financial hardship and damages mental health. Renters should not be evicted unnecessarily or forced out under false pretences, for example because they have challenged poor housing standards.

The Government has previously recognised that a ban on no fault evictions is needed to level the playing field between landlord and tenant.

We are calling on the Government to stick to its commitments.”