No-fault Evictions

Lord Geddes Excerpts

Thursday 26th October 2023 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Swinburne (Con)]

I am afraid I cannot give the noble Baroness that specific assurance. The Government recognise the cost of living pressures that tenants face, and that paying rent is likely to be a tenant’s biggest monthly expense. Some 8 million of the most vulnerable households across the UK will continue to be supported through the next winter by additional cost of living payments.

[Lord Geddes (Con)]

Does my noble friend agree that there is a possibility of the law of unintended consequences in this context, for instance when a landlord requires to occupy the let premises themselves for medical reasons?

[Baroness Swinburne (Con)]

It is clear to me when I read the Renters (Reform) Bill that it strikes a balance between providing renters the increased security and quality of housing, and ensuring that landlords have the tools to charge a fair rent and reclaim their properties when they need to. It is right that we reform the sector so that it works for both tenants and landlords, but there are definite levels, barriers and bars put in place that mean you must have a genuine reason for reclaiming your property if you are a landlord in the future.