Liberal Democrats glad for government u-turn on unfair evictions

For a number of years residents have written to Councillors in my group on the topic of landlords who are treating tenants really badly by evicting tenants who have not done anything wrong and do pay their rent. A so called “section 21 notice”, also known as a section 21 notice of possession or a section 21 eviction, is the notice which a landlord must give to their tenant to begin the process to take possession of a property let on an assured shorthold tenancy without providing a reason for wishing to take possession.

When a section 21 notice is issued, decisions are made on paper and not hearing evidence in a court face to face, meaning that many people are left homeless at a very short notice.

These no-fault evictions, have led to landlords intimidating tenants into not asking for repairs, and means renters – including 1 in 4 families – never really know where home will be in a year’s time.

The campaign to end section 21 notices had gained the support from many sections of society with a 50,000 strong petition online, and backing from Shelter. Liberal Democrat Councillors in Southfield, Chiswick were more than happy to sign the petition. Very recently the Government announced its intention to abolish section 21 notices, which were introduced in 1989.

Liberal Democrats welcome the announcement but sadly it has taken too long to happen. In Germany the relationship between tenants and landlords are often very positive and long landing; in the UK renting is often seen as a lower form of life than those with mortgages.

We need the government to ensure that tenants get a fair deal, so their often powerful landlords cannot abuse their powers. Everybody who rents a flat in the private sector should have the right to feel secure in their home. But so many millions of responsible tenants could be uprooted by their landlord with little notice or justification.

Unfair evictions do not benefit society. Landlords should be able to end tenancies where they have a legitimate reason to do so, but they should not be allowed to people with only a few weeks’ notice.

Liberal Democrats hope that in the near future that the commitment will lead to actions to protect tenants from unethical behavior and also give them the long-term certainty and the peace of mind they deserve.