No Government Response Yet to Section 21 Eviction Petition: What London Landlords Should Do Now

Background: The Section 21 Ban and the Petition

Since the abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions in England, landlords have relied solely on Section 8 grounds to regain possession of their properties. This change has lengthened eviction timelines and added complexity to possession proceedings. A recent petition, initiated by landlords and gaining traction with over 10,000 signatures, demands government action to reverse the Section 21 ban and implement faster eviction processes. Key proposals include:

• A six-week expedited court procedure for mandatory eviction grounds
• A national database of tenants evicted by court order
• An increased maximum deposit cap

The petition anticipates an official government response, which is still awaited. Should signatures reach 100,000, a parliamentary debate will be mandated.

Why This Matters to London Landlords

London landlords face intense rental market pressures, including high tenant demand, property management complexities, and regulatory oversight. The removal of Section 21 affects all landlord types but especially impacts:

• Single-unit landlords: Longer eviction timelines may increase void periods and loss of income.
• HMO landlords: Managing multiple tenants heightens challenges of delayed possession.
• Portfolio landlords: Larger holdings face compounded operational and cash flow strain.
• Accidental landlords: Those less familiar with complex possession laws may find compliance and eviction processes daunting.

Practical Implications Under Current Law

With no change yet enacted, landlords must continue to:

• Rely on Section 8 eviction grounds, which require specific legal justifications and may be contested by tenants.
• Navigate longer court timelines, sometimes extending over several months.
• Manage tenant deposit protections within existing caps (£5,000 or 5 weeks’ rent for tenancies starting before 1 June 2019; £6,000 or 6 weeks’ rent thereafter).

Landlords should note there is no current legal obligation to alter deposits or eviction notices but should prepare for possible reforms prompted by ongoing debates.

Recommended Next Steps for London Landlords

1. Stay Vigilant on Government Communications: Regularly check official sources such as the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) and GOV.UK for announcements on eviction reforms or deposit cap changes.

2. Review Possession Procedures: Keep your understanding of Section 8 grounds current and consult legal advisers to ensure eviction processes comply with the law.

3. Inform and Engage: Share information about the petition and its potential impacts with tenants and property managers to maintain transparency.

4. Prepare Operationally: Anticipate longer possession timelines by managing cash flow prudently, especially if owning multiple properties or HMOs.

5. Consider Deposit Strategies: While no increase in the deposit cap is mandated yet, evaluate your deposit levels for competitiveness and compliance.

6. Monitor Tenant Behaviour and Documentation: Keep thorough records to support any possession claims under Section 8.

How Rentals & Sales Can Support You

Our team specialises in assisting London landlords to navigate evolving rental regulations and operational challenges. We offer:

• Portfolio reviews assessing risk exposure under current eviction laws
• Compliance audits ensuring deposit protection and tenancy agreement adherence
• Pricing strategy advice to mitigate income loss during void periods
• Legal liaison support clarifying possession procedures and timelines

Contact us to schedule a tailored consultation.

Disclaimer: This article does not constitute legal advice. Landlords should seek qualified legal advice for specific cases.