Liverpool landlord acquires homes to reduce homelessness from Section 21 evictions

It also covers the work needed to meet Prima’s own benchmarks, such as all acquired homes being rated Energy Performance Certificate Band C and higher.

John Ghader, chief executive of Prima, said: “The Private Rented Rescue Scheme is a fantastic initiative that is making a big difference reducing the number of people at risk of becoming homeless when they have done nothing wrong.

“It gives people good-quality, secure homes that are fully regulated and stops families being separated or struggling to find a suitable place to live after being evicted.

“The scheme reduces their monthly rent and provides vital stability because people can continue living in the same home and community where they are close to schools, work, family and friends.

“It also reduces the potential of families being split up when moving into temporary accommodation or having to relocate to a new area which can be heartbreaking and really disruptive.” 

Prima has completed the acquisition of seven homes from the scheme so far, on the agreement that tenancies are assured and rents are set at Local Housing Allowance rates.

Tony Brennan, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development at Knowsley Council, said: “The scheme has huge benefits for all parties involved, but first and foremost it is another layer of support that prevents people becoming homeless.

“By reducing the number of people needing expensive temporary accommodation, it saves us a significant amount of money so we can invest in other key services.     

“The more properties added to the affordable homes sector in our borough increases options and reduces the number of people being added to our housing waiting list.

“We also know housing associations like Prima provide a range of added value services with wider societal benefits too, such as helping tenants find work, accessing training, providing financial support and introducing them to healthy lifestyle initiatives.”

The last data published in August 2025 by the Ministry of Justice revealed that more than 30,000 Section 21 eviction notices were issued in England between July 2024 and June 2025.

In the same period, bailiffs evicted 11,400 households because of the notices, compared with 10,576 the previous year – a 9% rise.

In November, campaign groups celebrated a “vital step in rebalancing power” in the private market as the government set a date for the abolition of Section 21 no-fault evictions.

The reforms will be implemented in phases, with the first batch to be in place from 1 May 2026. This includes a ban on Section 21eviction notices, which the charity Shelter cited as a leading cause of homelessness. 

Tenants will also be able to appeal excessive above-market rent increases that try to force them out and landlords can no longer unreasonably refuse tenants’ requests to have a pet.

Mr Ghader added: “We really welcome the Renters’ Rights Act banning Section 21 no-fault evictions because it will give people more protection and security.

“It is our belief the new legislation will lead to more private landlords selling their properties as many will not want to comply with the new regulations.

“We want to acquire more homes via the Private Rented Rescue Scheme and hope other local authorities look to establish similar models.”

In the middle of last year, Prima revealed it is taking part in a first-of-its-kind pilot project that aims to integrate health and social housing data.