RENTERS REFORM BILL

Strengthened section 8 eviction notices announced for landlords.

Changes To Notice Periods

These proposals should go some way to alleviate landlord concerns around regaining control of their rental properties.

Whilst the abolishment of section 21 no fault notices has grabbed the headlines, the Government has also committed to reform the current section 8 grounds of possession so that ‘they are comprehensive, fair, and efficient, striking a balance between protecting tenants’ security and landlords’ right to manage their property.’

New Section 8 Eviction Grounds

The Government plans to strengthen existing section 8 eviction notices by proposing new grounds for eviction, including:

• Landlords wishing to sell their property with vacant possession.

• Allowing landlords or a close family member to move into a property.

• Repeated serious rent arrears. Eviction will be mandatory where the tenant has been at least 2 months in arrears 3 times in the previous 3 years (regardless of the remaining balance at hearing).

• Agricultural employment, where the property is needed to house a new employee.

• Agricultural tenant to give vacant possession at the end of the tenancy.

However, to maintain the intended protection of tenants’ rights, the length of notice landlords will be required to give tenants will be increased to a minimum of 2 months where the reason for eviction is outside the tenant’s control – for example where the landlord wishes to sell or move into the property. Less notice will be required for serious tenant fault for example in the case of criminal or antisocial behaviour, and the notice period for rent arrears will be 4 weeks (up from 2 weeks). Furthermore, landlords will not be able to use these grounds in first 6 months of the new tenancy.

NOT LEGISLATION…YET

It is important to note that while this is still a white paper, the Government stands firm on their commitment to push this through to legislation. “The Government have a manifesto commitment to abolish section 21, and we will do so as soon as parliamentary time allows.” Felicity Buchan, Under-Secretary for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (20th February 2023).

With a general election expected in 2024, that time could be fast approaching.