NO FAULT evictions are set to soar even higher, a leading property association has warned.
Data released last week revealed court proceedings for no-fault evictions in England have reached their highest level in six years, ahead of new legislation being passed to ban the practice.
But Jonathan Rolande, from the National Association of Property Buyers, said worse is to come.
He said: “I am afraid to say I think it will get worse. This will be driven by the fact many landlords are likely to be rushing to beat the ban on Section 21 evictions.
“Selling at the top of the market also has an impact in this area too. Homes sell faster and for more money empty, especially now the heart of the Buy-to Let sector has been ripped out by high tax, high interest rates and legislation.
Data released by the Ministry of Justice last week show that 7,491 no-fault eviction claims were brought before the courts between April and June.
That is the highest recorded number since 2017, up 10% from January to March, and 35% higher than in the same period last year.
There were 2,228 no-fault evictions carried out in the same period involving bailiffs, up 41% year on year but almost flat compared with the first quarter of 2023.
Campaigners said the figures demonstrate why the renters reform bill to ban no-fault evictions, now going through parliament, was essential. At present it is legal under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988 for landlords in England to ask tenants to leave with two months’ notice without having to establish a reason why, a measure that has had a chilling effect on tenants’ confidence to challenge defects.
But Mr Rolande said the problem is more nuanced.
He added: “Landlords are selling up in droves for many reasons. Many are fearful of the new EPC rules which they think may cost thousands and offer little in return. Right now, there is a lot of animosity toward landlords, many are fed up. The return on money in the bank is similar to a rental yield without risk or work. Service charges and repair costs have also spiralled as contractors increased prices post-Brexit and to take advantage of the recent boom. And, ironically, talk of banning Sections 21’s has led to an increase in their use.”