Consultation response: Renters' Reform Bill and homelessness legislation

This consultation response outlines Shelter's priorities for changes to the rights of people facing homelessness in the wake of the repeal of section 21 'no fault' eviction notices - which is expected in the forthcoming Renters' Reform Bill.

The most important priority for any changes to the homelessness legislation must be that they should not lead to a reduction in rights of people facing homelessness. The abolition of section 21 'no-fault' possession notices via a Renters Reform Bill will be a long-overdue and important homelessness prevention measure. The ending of a private tenancy is a leading trigger of homelessness, with around a quarter of households applying for homelessness assistance losing their last settled home for this reason. Many of those whose homelessness is triggered by family and friends being no longer willing to accommodate are also likely to have lost their last settled home due to no-fault eviction and initially tried to avoid homelessness by staying with family and friends.