Record levels of people facing homelessness due to Section 21 evictions

New government figures show that between January 2022 and March 2022 6,400 households across England were at risk of homelessness due to being served a Section 21 ‘no-fault’ eviction notice.

Homelessness charity Crisis points out that this is a 26% increase on the same period before the pandemic. It is the highest number of people seeking help for this reason since data collection began in 2018.  

Last month, the Government published its Renters Reform White Paper on the forthcoming Renters Reform Bill, which will set out changes it wants to make to the private rented sector.

Crisis warns that with the cost of living crisis and record levels of no-fault evictions, the Renters Reform Bill cannot come soon enough. It is urging the new Prime Minister to prioritise introducing it so that renters aren’t faced with the financial turmoil of trying to find a new home.  

Matt Downie, Crisis Chief Executive, comments: “It is deeply concerning that thousands are being forced from their homes and must now face an anxious battle to find somewhere new to live, all at a time when rents are going through the roof and people’s budgets are being squeezed to breaking point. 

“Through our services we know just how tough it is for renters right now as the cost of living crisis wreaks havoc on their lives. More and more, we’re seeing people being asked to stump up months of rent just to secure a property, while others are being pushed into debt because their housing benefit doesn’t cover what they need to keep a roof over their head. 

“How much more hardship are we going to let people endure? It’s crucial that whoever becomes our new Prime Minister in the next month prioritises introducing the Renters Reform Bill, so we can finally protect people from the trauma and turmoil that comes from being turfed from your home at a moment’s notice.”