No-fault evictions reach highest level since 2016

In 2024, the number of renters being evicted from their homes through a section 21 ‘no-fault’ eviction reached the highest level since 2016.

A total 32,387 households in England faced court action by their landlord, up from 30,230 in 2023. These figures come from new data released by the Ministry of Justice.

What’s a section 21 notice?

A section 21 notice allows landlords to evict tenants with just two months' notice and without providing a reason. It’s commonly known as a ‘no-fault’ eviction.

What’s happening with renters’ rights?

The rise in section 21 evictions comes just before the renters' rights bill is expected to become law later this year.

The bill is currently moving through the House of Lords and will be a big change for renters.

What does the renters’ rights bill do?

This bill promises to bring important reforms for renters. It’s been in the works for almost six years, ever since the former prime minister Theresa May promised to end no-fault evictions in 2019.

Here’s some key points of the bill:

• End of section 21 evictions: landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants without a valid reason.
• Decent homes standard: new rules to ensure rental properties meet minimum living conditions.
• Combat damp and mould: measures to tackle dangerous damp and mould in rental homes.
• New housing database: a database of private rented homes will be created.

Councils will have to enforce these standards.

However, even with these changes, landlords can still evict tenants if they want to sell the property or move back in. Rent increases will also still be allowed in line with rent prices for new tenancies, which have risen faster than incomes in recent years.

What Generation Rent is calling for

Generation Rent, which campaigns to end unfair evictions, wants the government to do more. They’re calling for:

• Landlords who evict tenants for no fault of their own to cover the costs of moving.
• Rent increases to be limited to the lower of wage growth or inflation.

Ben Twomey, chief executive of Generation Rent, said that for the thousands of renters facing a section 21 in 2024, the renters' rights bill will be too late.

“They have faced the stress and expense of finding a new place to live, and uprooting their lives on their landlord's whim,” he said.

“The reforms mean landlords will need to demonstrate a valid reason for eviction in future, and give their tenants more time to move when selling or moving back in. But renters will still bear the cost of moving for reasons beyond our control. And we are still vulnerable to unaffordable rent rises.”

Are you struggling to pay your rent?

If you’re on a low income or claim benefits, you may be able to get a council tax reduction of up to 100%. Check to see if you’re eligible.

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Find budgeting tips in our blog on how to manage rising rents and mortgage interest rates.