Housing Secretary Michael Gove has abandoned his vow to outlaw no-fault evictions for renters prior to the general election. The Conservatives first pledged to abolish the practice five years ago, but Gove now only states that he “hopes” to see it become law before Britons cast their ballots.
No-fault evictions, also known as Section 21 notices, empower landlords to evict tenants on a whim and without giving a reason. Many charities have attributed these evictions to the growing prevalence of homelessness.
When the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg pressed Gove in February about whether the practice would be abolished in time for the general election, he replied: “We will have outlawed it and we will have invested in the courts to ensure that they can enforce this.” However, the Levelling Up Secretary failed to reiterate this pledge when questioned by the broadcaster on Monday as the Renters’ Reform Bill returned to the House of Commons.
Asked if he could reaffirm his promise, Gove responded: “Everything hinges on the House of Lords. I am determined to ensure that this bill is enacted. But the Lords will determine the pace at which we can do so.”
“If opposition parties are supportive – and I believe they support the fundamental principle we are proposing, even if they have some concerns – then we can end Section 21 before the general election. That is the goal.”
He added: “The progress of this Bill will be determined by the Lords… but I hope we can get it on the statute book before the election.”
Polly Neate, the Chief Executive of the housing charity Shelter, responded: “Not only can Michael Gove not guarantee to #EndSection21 by the election, this butchered Renters Reform Bill simply will not provide the protections renters were promised and urgently need. I am disappointed and furious to say that this Bill is simply not supportable.”
The comments came as MPs prepared to vote on the Renters’ Reform Bill, which was touted as a revamp of the rental market that would grant additional rights to millions of cash-strapped tenants in England. However, campaigners have criticized ministers for breaking their promise to end no-fault evictions and making too many “damaging” concessions.
The Bill includes the long-promised plan to abolish no-fault evictions, but the Government has indicated that it will postpone the ban until the courts are deemed to have the capacity to handle new cases. This move has sparked claims that ministers have abandoned renters and bowed to “pro-landlord Conservative MPs.”
Labour stated that the no-fault eviction ban pledged in the Tory manifesto is “collapsing under the weight of vested interests” and demanded that the plan be implemented immediately.
