‘Hypocritical’ Labour councils using Section 21 notices to evict
An investigation by The Guardian newspaper found five local authorities in England were able to use no-fault eviction measures through housing companies.
Several local authorities controlled by Labour are evicting tenants using Section 21 notices despite a move by the party to ban them.
An investigation by The Guardian newspaper found that councils are using a legal loophole to evict renters using the no-fault measure.
And nearly 200 households have been caught up in the practice even though Labour is introducing the Renters’ Rights Bill to outlaw S21 evictions.
Removed by bailiffs
Local councils are not allowed to use S21 notices, but can get round this rule by setting up arms-length companies to run their housing stock.
So-called ‘housing companies’ can sign tenants up on assured shorthold tenancies, and then use the no-fault eviction route.
The Guardian found that since Labour came to power last year, companies owned by five councils have started no-fault eviction proceedings against 191 households.
And some tenants have been taken to court, with several being removed from their homes by bailiffs.
Possession orders
Lambeth council, in South London, issued 63 S1 notices through Homes for Lambeth. Five families received possession orders and two were evicted by bailiffs.
Four more Labour councils, Reading, Blackpool, Nottingham and Enfield, have also issued S21 notices to tenants renting from their housing bodies.
Reading council, in Berkshire, has seen 48 households served with S21 notices, and 20 have left their properties.
Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions are unacceptable.”
Blackpool Housing Company has issued 73 no-fault notices since Labour’s election, with 15 households receiving possession orders and three evicted by bailiffs.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government told The Guardian: “Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions are unacceptable. That’s why we’re banning them through our landmark Renters’ Rights Bill, which is set to become law very soon.”
