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England

Abolishing no-fault evictions will be ‘outstanding victory’ for 11 million renters

Posted 15 Apr 2019

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “Government plans to abolish no-fault evictions represent an outstanding victory for England’s 11 million private renters. This change will slam the brakes on unstable short-term tenancies and give tenants everywhere a massive boost in security, for which the government will deserve great credit.

“One in four families now privately rent their home, as do hundreds of thousands of older people. And yet, we frequently hear from people with contracts shorter than your average gym membership, who live in constant fear of being thrown out at the drop of a hat. Ending Section 21 evictions will transform these renters’ lives – giving them room to breathe and put down roots in a place they can finally call home.

“Getting this new legislation through parliament is critical to people being able to stay in their rented home as long as they need, so we look forward to the government passing this law as quickly as possible.”

Notes to editors:

Key figures on private renting:

  • There are more than 11 million private renters living in England, or 4.5 million households. The percentage of households renting privately has doubled from 10% to 20% since 2002. [English Housing Survey 2017/18]

  • One in four families with children are now living in the private rental sector. There are a million more families renting privately today now than there were in 2003/4. [English Housing Survey 2017/18]

  • Over three quarters of a million households living in private renting are headed by someone aged over 55 – this figure has doubled since 2003/4.  [English Housing Survey 2017/18]

  • In the last five years, one in five of families renting privately have moved at least three times, and one in ten say that a private landlord or letting agent has thrown their belongings out and changed the locks. [Research by YouGov for Shelter – survey of 3978 private renters in England, Jul-Aug 2017, online, weighted]

  • Over 75% of renters report that having a longer term or indefinite tenancy would make it easier for them to plan ahead in their lives. [Research by YouGov for Shelter - survey of 3978 private renters in England, Jul-Aug 2017, online, weighted]