The bill banning Section 21 evictions is set to come to the House of Commons for its first reading this week.

The Renters’ Rights Bill will also restrict bidding wars, as well as protect tenants whose landlords want to sell or move in.

The previous Conservative government promised to ban Section 21 evictions, but failed to do so for five years.

Landlord groups have raised concerns that getting rid of ‘no fault’ evictions will further put pressure on the court system, as it can already take months to remove a problem tenant due to a major backlog. As a result there are fears the bill could cause landlords to exit the sector, further putting pressure on rents.

The previous Renters’ Reform Bill therefore promised to ban Section 21 only once issues with the courts were solved.

Housing secretary Angela Rayner has acknowledged that the abolition of Section 21 evictions needs to be accompanied by a court system that’s fit for purpose.

Dan Wilson Craw, its deputy chief executive, said: “Evictions have surged in recent years so it is welcome that the government is acting quickly to introduce legislation to tackle this crisis.

“The abolition of Section 21 evictions is long overdue and requiring landlords to provide a valid reason for eviction will give tenants more confidence to challenge disrepair and poor treatment by landlords and letting agents.

“Under the last government’s proposals, landlords could still evict tenants if they wanted to sell or move in, just six months into the tenancy, with only two months’ notice and with no support to find a new home.

“Renters will be reassured that the government is planning longer notice periods and other protections in these cases. These should include more time in our homes without fear of losing them, and support with the costs if we are asked to move for reasons beyond our control.”

Via @PropertyWire