The proposed scrapping of so called ‘no fault’ evictions through the abolition of Section 21 in the Renters Reform Bill is still proving to be a major headache for letting agents, latest research from Goodlord reveals.

A survey of nearly 700 letting agents from across England highlights just how unprepared they are to implement the new rules when they get the go ahead.

PRIMARY WORRY

Half of all agents said the abolition of Section 21 was their primary worry with fears growing over how both they and landlords will be able to recover property when rent isn’t being paid or tenants are demonstrating anti-social behaviour.

Agents are also worried about planned reform to Section 8 and whether proposed provisions will be strong enough to allow landlords to evict a tenant after six months if they wish to sell the property, move in themselves or offer the property to a relative.

One out of five agents (20%) also said that the move to assured tenancies was also proving troublesome as it will mean that properties will be under rolling monthly contracts once the Bill has been implemented. Scotland introduced rolling contracts in 2017.

ASSURED TENANCIES

It’s also feared that the move to assured tenancies won’t be appropriate for student lets, which typically end in line with the academic year.

Just 17% of letting agents, including those specialising in student lets, said that they understood what the impact would be.

Oliver Sherlock (main picture), Director of Insurance at Goodlord, says: “Whilst we have now seen the first version of this Bill, it doesn’t mean the industry has full clarity – far from it.

“These findings show that a lot of concerns and unanswered questions remain for agents and their landlords when it comes to the sweeping changes this legislation will enact.”