-
Evictions for other reasons including arrears are highest
on record
New government figures reveal that the number of landlords across
England and Wales seeking to evict tenants by a section 21
‘no-fault’ eviction is higher now than before the pandemic,
highlighting the growing homelessness crisis across the country.
For January – March 2023, evictions and repossessions are 52%
higher than the equivalent quarter before the pandemic,
and 22% higher than last year.
The figures published by the Ministry of Justice today also show
that the number of people who have been forced from their home by
bailiffs because of a section 21 ‘no-fault’ eviction has risen by
18% (from 2,075 to 2,449) on the previous quarter and 61% higher
than this time last year.
In addition, other forms of eviction from the private rented
sector are at record levels. There were 7,269 eviction claims
from private sector landlords not using a section 21 eviction
notice, a 16% rise on the previous quarter and the highest number
since this data series began in 2009.
With the end of a private tenancy a leading cause of
homelessness, the publication of the Renters Reform Bill in
England this week (Wednesday 17th May) marks a step
forward for strengthening tenants’ rights and reducing the number
of unnecessary evictions forcing people into homelessness.
Crisis is urging the Government to ensure the Bill delivers on
its promise to make a fairer, safer system for renters so that no
one is forced from their home with nowhere to go.
Francesca Albanese, Interim Director of Policy and
External Affairs at Crisis, said: “No one should be
forced from their home or live in fear that an eviction notice
will come through their door at any moment, but these figures
show that this is a rapidly escalating reality for thousands of
renters.
“What these statistics don't show is the anxiety and worry that
comes with trying to find another home after an eviction notice
in one of the most difficult housing markets we’ve ever known.
They can’t show the pressure placed on people who are left with
no choice but to live with mould and damp because the only
alternative is no home at all.
“Introducing the Renters Reform Bill this week is a welcome step
from Government. Now we need to get on with making sure
Parliament not only passes the Bill as quickly as possible but
ensures it is strong enough to deliver on its commitment to give
tenants the security and stability they desperately need.”
-Ends-
Notes to Editor
Today the Ministry of Justice published new statistics on mortgage
and landlord possessions in England and Wales.
- The data shows the number of landlord possession actions
broken down by three types: accelerated procedure, which refers
to section 21/no-fault evictions, private landlord evictions,
which refers to all other types of eviction by private sector
landlords, and social landlord evictions.
- On average 6,015 families and individuals approached council
homelessness services in England each quarter due to being issued
with a section 21 notice.
- The number of section 21 claims increased by 52%, from 4,890
to 7,411, when compared to the same quarter in 2019.
- The Renters’ Reform Bill, which was published this week, only
applies to England, whilst the above data covers England and
Wales.
