UPDATE: Prime Minister Keir Starmer has just announced a groundbreaking initiative to tackle unsafe housing in England, pledging to “give renters more rights and power in their homes.” This urgent commitment comes in an exclusive article for the Big Issue, set to hit the streets on November 17, 2023.
Starmer’s announcement follows the government’s confirmation that the controversial Section 21 “no-fault” evictions will officially end on May 1, 2024. This move is part of the recently passed Renters’ Rights Act, which aims to protect the rights of the approximately 11 million renters across England. The Prime Minister stated, “It’s about time that we rebalanced the system to give renters more rights and more power in their homes.”
The implications of this legislation are significant. The abolition of Section 21 evictions has been a long-standing demand from housing advocates, as it has historically left thousands vulnerable to homelessness. The Big Issue has been a crucial player in this campaign, with founder Lord John Bird advocating for swift action.
Baroness Taylor of Stevenage, the parliamentary under-secretary of state at the Ministry of Housing, assured that the government will act “quickly and without delay” to implement these changes, including the introduction of a landlord database and measures from Awaab’s Law aimed at improving housing safety standards.
Starmer emphasized the importance of stable housing, stating, “Homes aren’t just about bricks and mortar. They’re a foundation for families to build a life.” He highlighted that the new act will not only prevent homelessness but also enhance the dignity of renters who have long faced unfair treatment.
In addition to abolishing no-fault evictions, the Renters’ Rights Act introduces provisions that allow tenants to challenge excessive rent increases and mandates that landlords cannot unreasonably deny requests from tenants, such as for pets. Furthermore, landlords will now require stronger justification to regain possession of their properties.
Tom Darling, director of the Renters’ Reform Coalition, praised the clarity provided by the announcement regarding the end of Section 21 evictions. He insisted on the need for prompt implementation of the entire act, stating, “It will be important that the government quickly implement the whole act so that England’s 12 million private renters can benefit from the new legislation as soon as possible.”
As these developments unfold, the focus will also remain on addressing the affordability crisis that many renters face. Darling underscored the need for rigorous enforcement and adequate funding for local councils to hold negligent landlords accountable.
This urgent call to action from Starmer marks a pivotal moment in the movement for renters’ rights in England. The full article will be available in the Big Issue from November 17 to November 23, 2023, offering deeper insights into the Prime Minister’s vision for housing reform.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops. The future of housing rights in England is changing, and it’s happening right now.
