The number of “no-fault” evictions has risen sharply under Labour, as many landlords move quickly to reclaim properties ahead of upcoming rent reforms that will outlaw the practice.
Recent figures show that Section 21 evictions carried out by bailiffs have increased by 8% in the year since Sir Keir Starmer became Prime Minister. These notices allow landlords to remove tenants during their tenancy without having to give a specific reason.
The rise follows the resignation of Rushanara Ali, the Government’s homelessness minister, after it emerged she had evicted tenants from her London property before raising the rent.
Data from the Ministry of Justice reveals there were 11,402 repossessions by county court bailiffs following Section 21 notices in the 12 months to June, compared with 10,576 the previous year.
A Section 21 notice is issued by landlords to begin the legal process of reclaiming their property, even if the tenant’s shorthold tenancy has not yet ended.
Under Labour’s proposed Renters’ Rights Bill, landlords will be required to obtain a court hearing before they can evict a tenant.
In the same period, there were 30,729 cases of fast-track evictions, which apply when tenants fail to leave by an agreed date. This was slightly down from 32,103 in the previous year.
The National Residential Landlord Association has expressed concern that bailiff repossessions linked to no-fault evictions are increasing, even though overall eviction claims, orders, warrants, and repossessions have fallen year on year.
Recent figures highlight that some tenants, even after being served a court order to vacate, are choosing to remain in the property until they are physically removed by bailiffs. This approach is said to cause unnecessary stress and additional costs for both tenants and landlords, making the process more challenging for everyone involved.
The issue has come under further scrutiny following the resignation of Ms Rushanara Ali from her role as Homelessness Minister last week. Reports allege that she gave tenants at her east London property four months’ notice to leave before re-advertising the same home with an increased rent of £700 per month only weeks later.
It is understood that the property had been placed on the market for sale while tenants were still living there. When it failed to sell, it was instead re-listed as a rental, according to the i newspaper.
Critics argue that Ms Ali’s actions run counter to the principles of Labour’s proposed Renters’ Rights Bill, which is now in its final stages before becoming law. The legislation aims to deliver stronger protections for tenants and restrict certain practices that contribute to housing insecurity.
Under the upcoming rules, landlords who evict tenants to sell a property will be prohibited from re-letting it for at least six months. This measure is designed to prevent cases where tenants are removed under the pretext of a sale, only for the property to be swiftly re-rented at a higher price.
The bill also seeks to limit evictions to specific, legally defined circumstances. Landlords would need to issue a Section 8 notice, which involves a court hearing, rather than relying on the more contentious Section 21 route.
A further safeguard included in the bill is the introduction of a 12-month protected period at the start of any tenancy, during which tenants cannot be evicted except in exceptional circumstances.
Homelessness charity Shelter has condemned the current situation, with spokesperson Mairi MacRae describing it as unacceptable that, more than a year into the Government’s term, thousands of renters are still being evicted under policies promised to be abolished. She called for immediate action to prevent tenants being forced out unfairly.
In response, a government spokesperson reiterated their commitment to ending so-called “no-fault” Section 21 evictions, noting that the latest data reinforces the urgency of reform. They stressed that abolishing Section 21 is a key part of the Renters’ Rights Bill, which remains a top priority in the Government’s legislative agenda.
The spokesperson added that the reforms are intended to give tenants greater security in their homes, ensuring they have clear rights and protections. They emphasised that once the bill is passed, its provisions will be implemented quickly to prevent further exploitation.
Supporters of the bill argue that these changes will help “level the playing field” between landlords and renters, creating a fairer and more stable private rental sector. The legislation also aims to encourage responsible letting practices, while still allowing landlords to manage their properties effectively.
The controversy surrounding Ms Ali’s case has intensified the debate over rental reform, particularly around how quickly the Government can deliver on its pledges. Campaigners warn that every delay risks more families losing their homes under the current framework.
As the bill moves closer to becoming law, both tenant groups and landlord associations will be watching closely to see how the new measures are implemented in practice. While landlords are concerned about retaining control over their investments, many agree that long-term stability benefits the market as a whole.
The outcome of this legislation is expected to shape the rental sector for years to come, with significant implications for how disputes, evictions, and property management are handled in England.
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