Baroness blames government for “untold mental stress” for renters

Baroness blames government for “untold mental stress” for renters


Todays other news


The new director of campaign group Generation Rent says the government has caused “untold mental stress” to thousands of tenants.

Commenting on the four week extension to the eviction ban, the government U-turn announced on Friday afternoon, Baroness Alicia Kennedy says: “We’re glad the government has listened to charities, MPs, local government and public health bodies, but it’s not a permanent solution.

“The evictions crisis should have been addressed earlier – the decision was announced just days before courts were due to open again, putting thousands of renters through untold mental stress. And while the courts remain closed, rent debt is still building up and notices are still being served.

“The government must use this time to introduce a long term plan to protect renters’ homes. Emergency legislation to restrict the use of section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions, as well as eviction for rent arrears, should be passed as soon as parliament returns in September.

“As so many evictions in the private sector take place using section 21, this crisis has underlined the urgency of scrapping it for good, as the government promised last year.

“Once evictions are addressed, government needs to end the rent debt crisis through raising benefits to cover average rents and providing grants to those who have built up arrears they cannot pay.”

Share this article ...

Join the conversation: Login and have your say

Want to comment on this story? Our focus is on providing a platform for you to share your insights and views and we welcome contributions. All comments are screened using specialist software and may be reviewed by our editorial team before publication. Letting Agent Today reserves the right to edit, withhold or delete comments that violate our guidelines, including those that harass, degrade, or intimidate others. Users who post such content may be banned from commenting.
By commenting, you agree to our Commenting Terms of Use.
Recommended for you
Related Articles
Demand is roughly static but instructions from landlords are falling...
Controversial legislation is being considered by the Scottish Parliament...
This is the latest partner service available at a discount...
The Welsh Government is backing the call for a 'compensation'...
The Welsh Government is backing the call for a 'compensation'...
There will be a greater emphasis on digitisation....
A consultation document is being released today....
Recommended for you
Latest Features
Andrews Property Group is under charitable ownership...
New tenancies in England and Wales are at their lowest...
The Scottish system would differ from the UK system in...
Sponsored Content
Tenants want a place they can call home—somewhere comfortable, safe,...
Letting agencies face the dual challenge of keeping both landlords...

Send to a friend

In order to send this article to a friend you must first login. Click on the button below to login or sign up.

No one likes pop-ups ...
But while you're here