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Khan calls for eviction ban as rogue landlord reports soar
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has urged the government to reinstate its eviction ban to protect renters during lockdown after figures show a sharp increase in reports of rogue landlords during the coronavirus pandemic.
Mayor of London @SadiqKhan has urged the government to reinstate its evictions ban after figures show a sharp increase in reports of rogue landlords during the pandemic #UKhousingCity Hall said one in five reports through its ‘report a rogue landlord or agent’ online tool were in relation to an unfair eviction between March and December last year – it received more than 1,400 complaints.
This is despite the government’s eviction ban, which ran from March to September, preventing landlords beginning court proceedings for repossessions, followed by ministers ordering bailiffs not to enforce evictions between 11 December and 11 January via a Christmas truce.
Prime minister Boris Johnson told the House of Commons yesterday that the eviction ban will be kept “under review”.
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Mr Khan said the government should take action to prevent evictions when the current truce ends next week and use the additional time to put in place a support package for renters, including:
- Providing grants to support renters to clear rent arrears and remain in their homes
- Giving the mayor powers to implement a two-year rent freeze in London as an emergency measure as long as the economic impact of COVID-19 continues
- Increasing Local Housing Allowance rates to cover the cost of average market rents and scrap the benefit cap
- Delivering on the commitment to end Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and allow judges discretion to refuse a possession claim where arrears have accrued due to the ongoing impacts of coronavirus, while also working with the mayor to introduce the other aspects of his London Model of tenancy reform
Mr Khan said: “There is now clear consensus from organisations representing both renters and landlords that government needs to take bold action to stop evictions as we enter another national lockdown.
“With the eviction ban ending next week, ministers need to take urgent action to prevent people being evicted from their homes, putting in place a proper financial support package for those who have fallen into arrears through no fault of their own.”
Darren Rodwell, deputy chair of London Councils and executive member for housing and planning, said: “A third national lockdown will pile even more pressure on vulnerable renters who might have lost their jobs or are facing health issues.
“Being unfairly evicted in the middle of a surging pandemic is just not right. Renters need more protection so they are in the best possible position to get back on their feet when the economy reopens.”
A government spokesperson said: “We are reviewing the measures currently in place and will provide more detail shortly, taking into account public health advice.”
Update: at 10.50, 07.01.21
Story amended to include a response from government.
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