Could no-fault evictions soon be abolished in England?

?? What is an eviction without cause In England, thousands of tenants live under the constant threat of a legal but controversial practice: no-fault evictions. Introduced in 1988 under Margaret Thatcher's government, this procedure allows landlords to terminate a tenancy without providing any justification, starting six months into the contract.

?? A permanent sense of insecurity

While initially intended to stimulate the rental market, this measure has led to significant social instability. With no winter eviction ban in place, vulnerable tenants are often forced out during critical times, such as the festive season or amidst personal crises.

Jackie Bennett, a long-term tenant, shares the psychological toll of this practice: "Receiving a letter telling me I had two months to leave, without reason, was a massive shock. You feel permanently vulnerable."

Between July and September 2024, a staggering 8,425 households were forced to leave their homes under the threat of court action, according to the Ministry of Justice and the organisation Generation Rent. This constantly rising figure highlights the urgent need for reform.

?? A reform in process

To address this issue, the UK government is currently examining the "Renters' Rights Bill", a proposal aimed at rebalancing the relationship between tenants and landlords.

Key changes under discussion include:

• Requiring valid reasons to terminate a tenancy, such as unpaid rent, antisocial behaviour, or the landlord's need to occupy or sell the property.
• Doubling the legal notice period from two to four months, giving tenants more time to find alternative accommodation.

These measures, supported by organisations such as the London Renters Union, are seen as a crucial step towards better tenant protections. Ben Twomey, Chief Executive of Generation Rent, welcomes the initiative: "This reform would prevent landlords from responding to legitimate complaints about property conditions with arbitrary evictions."

??The challenge of rising rents

However, one critical issue remains unaddressed by the proposed legislation: the soaring cost of rent. In 2024, rents across the UK rose by 9%, further exacerbating the housing crisis.

Alexandra Casson, a resident of Dalston, London, provides a striking example: "My landlord tried to raise my rent by over 50%. When I refused, I received an eviction notice. It’s an absolutely shameless attempt at extortion. Some landlords forget that their properties house human beings."

Advocates for tenants, such as Generation Rent, argue that rent caps, similar to those introduced in cities like Berlin and Paris, are essential to curb property market speculation and protect tenants from unaffordable price hikes.

?? What about the landlords?

On the landlords’ side, the proposed reform has raised concerns. Many fear that the new regulations will make it harder and slower to regain possession of their properties when needed.

Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action, warns: "Many landlords are pre-empting these legislative changes by carrying out preventive evictions."

This uncertainty underscores the need for a balanced reform that protects the rights of both parties. Experts stress the importance of fostering dialogue between tenants, landlords, and policymakers to prevent abuses and build mutual trust.

??A step towards more social justice

If passed, the reform could come into force as early as summer 2025. It would represent a major milestone in improving tenant security in England, where no-fault evictions are widely perceived as an abuse of power.

Housing is a fundamental right, not just a financial investment. Although not without its limitations, the "Renters' Rights Bill" lays the groundwork for a fairer rental market and offers a chance to restore faith in a broken system.

??Opportunities

For some observers, additional measures could amplify the reform’s impact, including:

• Introducing rent caps to prevent excessive increases.
• Implementing a winter eviction ban to protect tenants during the harshest months.
• Strengthening regulation of letting agents to ensure greater transparency and fairness in rental practices.

In a strained housing market, this reform marks a significant turning point, but there is still much work to be done to ensure stability and social justice for everyone involved in the rental sector.

Alfonso Lopez de Castro Adam Hasib Nader IMANI Aldric Boulangé Rodolphe Lebas Guy Marty Richard Malle Martin Hoesli David Brami LAURENT LEPREVOST Marc Menage Ameline PREL Enzo Fichera Enzo HEITZ Ronan Charmeil Faustin BOUGON Sacha Hayat Justine Sebaoun Elisa Covaia Elisabeth de Robillard Elisa Da Cunha Océan Caen Antoine Guerra Samy Benturqui Louis Candelma Clemence BEDIER Sylvain D.