A little-known law lies at the root of everything that is wrong with private renting. It's called Section 21.
It lets landlords evict tenants without giving a reason.
It's why a tenant can do everything that is asked of them and still not feel like they have a home. They can be asked to leave with two months' notice.
It's why investors have been so eager to put all their money into property. If they want their money back, they can just evict the person who's been paying their mortgage off.
It's why there is so much bad practice and shoddy conditions in the private rented sector. If a tenant makes a fuss, they're out.
It's the Number One cause of homelessness.
Renters are not just a convenient source of income - they are people who need a home. If the government scrapped Section 21 and gave more protection to the tenant, it would discourage landlords from selling up or churning their properties, give tenants more of stake in their home, and more confidence to make requests.
In July 2018 the government published proposals for longer tenancies. We now have an opportunity to push for real renter security and the end of Section 21 no-fault evictions.
Our campaign
Generation Rent is working with ACORN, London Renters Union and New Economics Foundation to End Unfair Evictions in England by abolishing Section 21. The campaign has a petition on 38 Degrees, which summarises what we are aiming to achieve:
Right now, the government is looking at how they can make renting more secure in England. They could change the law, so people who rent can only be evicted if there's a valid reason. It'd mean millions of families will have the security of knowing they won’t be forced to move at a moments notice.We call on the UK government to give renters in England stability and certainty in their homes by abolishing Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988.
How to support the campaign
For organisations:
- If your organisation supports the above statement, please email [email protected] so we can add its name to the list of supporters below.
For individuals:
- Sign and share our petition so we can show the government the strength of feeling against Section 21 no-fault evictions. When you share via email or social media, don't forget to include a quick comment to explain why this issue is important to you personally.
- Fill in our consultation response template to tell the government what you think of its proposals for longer tenancies; we need to let the housing ministry know that renters want real security.
- Get your union or party branch to pass our model motion supporting the call to end Section 21.
- All are welcome to get more involved in the campaign - we have working groups on media, demonstrations, political strategy and research. Email [email protected] to find out more.
Supporters:
The following organisations support the call to end Section 21 no-fault evictions. Get in touch to add your organisation's name, and see full details on what these groups have said about Section 21 here.
Organisations fighting homelessness and poverty:
- Crisis
- Medact
Organisations advocating for older people:
Organisations advocating for children:
Trade unions:
- UNISON
Human rights organisations and law centres:
- Greater Manchester Law Centre
Newspapers:
Political parties / bodies:
Think-tanks:
- Civitas
Further reading:
What is Section 21 and why it needs to be scrapped
Generation Rent's 2016 report on section 21 evictions and proposals for reform
Read more about our work on the campaign here
Read more about our other policies here