Unfair evictions - new proposals

An increasing number of tenants who ask their landlord to carry out essential repairs to the property that they are renting find themselves the victim of unfair eviction from their home.  In a buoyant rental market, especially in the South East, it is cheaper and easier for a landlord to re-let their property to a new tenant rather than incur the expense of the repairs requested by an earlier tenant.

Since the introduction of the type of tenancy called an assured shorthold tenancy the private rented sector has boomed.  Prior to the introduction of this sort of tenancy back in 1989, it was very difficult for a landlord to secure possession of their property from a tenant and this led to a shortage in properties for rent.  It seems that after 25 years of relaxation in this area, the pendulum may have swung too far in the landlord's favour.

In response to this issue, the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) has made amendments to the Deregulation Bill in an attempt to ensure that tenants have protection against retaliatory eviction.

These changes have not yet been introduced. The law of landlord and tenant is a complex area. If you are a landlord looking for advice or you think that you have been the victim of an unwarranted eviction or are having difficulties with your tenancy or landlord contact us.

For a link to the DCLG press release go to: GOV news