{"id":1462,"date":"2023-11-16T04:49:33","date_gmt":"2023-11-16T04:49:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/?p=1462"},"modified":"2025-01-22T06:03:10","modified_gmt":"2025-01-22T06:03:10","slug":"renters-lose-faith-in-government-after-indefinite-delay-to-section-21-ban","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/london-property-market\/renters-lose-faith-in-government-after-indefinite-delay-to-section-21-ban\/","title":{"rendered":"Renters lose faith in Government after indefinite delay to Section 21 ban"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img decoding=\"async\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/1111-300x192.jpg\" alt=\"2 bed flat to rent near Imperial Wharf SW6\" width=\"300\" height=\"192\" class=\"alignright size-medium wp-image-1463 lazyload\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/1111-300x192.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/1111-1024x656.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/1111-768x492.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/1111.jpg 1243w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 300px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 300\/192;\" \/>The latest research from London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, has found that renters across England and Wales have lost faith in the Government following the indefinite delay to banning Section 21 evictions, with just 92% believing that they will remain in place. <\/p>\n<p>The survey of over 1,000 current tenants across England and Wales, commissioned by Benham and Reeves, found that one in 10 (11%) have been subject to a Section 21 eviction. <\/p>\n<p>The ban on Section 21 evictions was first promised by Theresa May back in 2019 and Benham and Reeves found that 90% of tenants feel that it should have been implemented by now. <\/p>\n<p>However, plans to get rid of no-fault evictions were dealt a blow last week, when the Government confirmed that Section 21 would not be abolished until \u2018sufficient progress\u2019 had been made with respect to the court systems. This includes improving online processes, as well as better prioritising certain cases, such as those involving anti-social behaviour.<\/p>\n<p>What\u2019s more, Downing Street has failed to put a timescale on just how long the proposed reforms will take to achieve, essentially delaying the ban on Section 21 evictions indefinitely.<\/p>\n<p>Just 9% of renters surveyed by Benham and Reeves feel that this is an acceptable excuse and with no deadline set to bring about these improvements, it\u2019s no surprise that 92% don\u2019t believe Section 21 evictions will ever be banned. <\/p>\n<p>As a result, 91% of those surveyed said that they don\u2019t feel the Government cares about renters or their quality of life. <\/p>\n<p>In fact, just 23% of renters feel that their living situation is secure while landlords have the ability to serve a Section 21 notice, with the prospect of such eviction causing a heightened degree of stress of anxiety for three quarters of tenants (76%). <\/p>\n<p>Perhaps most worryingly, 83% of those surveyed stated that should they be evicted, they would struggle to find somewhere else to live. <\/p>\n<p>The primary reason for this was the fact that rental prices have continued to climb while they have been in their current rental property, making finding another property increasingly unaffordable. <\/p>\n<p>A lack of suitable or similar rental stock was also a key issue, along with the fact that they simply couldn\u2019t afford to pay another rental deposit, at least until their previous deposit had been returned. <\/p>\n<p><strong>Director of Benham and Reeves, Marc von Grundherr, commented:<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>\u201cSection 21 evictions are certainly a contentious subject, but having been promised greater protections since 2019, you can understand why the nation\u2019s renters have lost faith with the Government when it comes to the ban on no-fault evictions.<br \/>\nIt\u2019s understandably a complicated process and one that needs to be properly implemented to ensure both tenant and landlord are properly considered. However, given that no real timescale has been provided with regard to the required court reforms, it does feel like a step in the wrong direction when it comes to renters rights. <\/p>\n<p>The majority of tenants simply don\u2019t feel their living situation is secure with Section 21 hanging over their heads and a great deal would struggle to find somewhere else to rent should they be evicted at short notice.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"table-responsive mb20\">\n<table class=\"press-table text-left font-12\" width=\"100%\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n                    Section 21 or no fault evictions give landlords the right to evict tenants with no reason if they are not on fixed-term contracts. Have you ever been subject to a Section 21 eviction during your time living within the rental sector?\n                <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n<th>Answer<\/th>\n<th>Totals<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>11%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>89%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div class=\"table-responsive mb20\">\n<table class=\"press-table text-left font-12\" width=\"100%\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n                        In 2019, Theresa May promised to end Section 21 evictions, do you think this should have been implemented by now?\n                    <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n<th>Answer<\/th>\n<th>Totals<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>90%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>10%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div class=\"table-responsive mb20\">\n<table class=\"press-table text-left font-12\" width=\"100%\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n                        Last week, the government said this move would be indefinitely delayed until the court system is reformed to better allow for the process. Do you think this is an acceptable excuse? <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n<th>Answer<\/th>\n<th>Totals<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>9%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>91%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table-responsive mb20\">\n<table class=\"press-table text-left font-12\" width=\"100%\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n                Do you think that the government is serious about banning Section 21 evictions or do you think they will remain in place? <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n<th>Answer<\/th>\n<th>Totals<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>The government is serious about banning Section 21 evictions<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>8%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Section 21 evictions will remain in place<\/td>\n<td>89%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div class=\"table-responsive mb20\">\n<table class=\"press-table text-left font-12\" width=\"100%\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n                    Do you think the government cares about renters and their quality of living?  <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n<th>Answer<\/th>\n<th>Totals<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>9%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>91%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div class=\"table-responsive mb20\">\n<table class=\"press-table text-left font-12\" width=\"100%\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n                    Do you feel that your living situation is secure within the rental market given landlords can evict you under Section 21?<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n<th>Answer<\/th>\n<th>Totals<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>23%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>77%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"table-responsive mb20\">\n<table class=\"press-table text-left font-12\" width=\"100%\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n                Does the thought of being evicted cause a heightened degree of stress or anxiety? <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n<th>Answer<\/th>\n<th>Totals<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>76%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>24%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div class=\"table-responsive mb20\">\n<table class=\"press-table text-left font-12\" width=\"100%\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n                    If you were to be evicted, would you struggle to find somewhere else to live?  <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n<th>Answer<\/th>\n<th>Totals<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Yes<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>83%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>No<\/td>\n<td>17%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table><\/div>\n<div class=\"table-responsive mb20\">\n<table class=\"press-table text-left font-12\" width=\"100%\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<th colspan=\"2\" class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n                    If so, why? (Tick all that apply)  <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr class=\"bg-table-blue\">\n<th>Answer<\/th>\n<th>Totals<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Rental prices have increased while I have been renting<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>27%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Lack of suitable or similar rental stock<\/td>\n<td>21%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>I can\u2019t afford to pay another rental deposit<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>19%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>I would struggle to pass a credit check<\/td>\n<td>8%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>I don\u2019t have any previous references<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>2%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>I would fail a Right to Rent check<\/td>\n<td>2%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>I would struggle to cover the additional fees such as letting agent fees<\/td>\n<td>\n<p>18%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Other<\/td>\n<td>3%<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<p><small><em>Survey of 1,079 renters across England and Wales carried out by ProperPR on behalf of Benham and Reeves via consumer research platform Find Out Now (9th November 2023).<\/p>\n<p><\/em><\/small><\/p>\n<p><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The latest research from London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, has found that renters across England and Wales have lost faith in the Government following the indefinite delay to banning Section 21 evictions, with just 92% believing that they will remain in place. The survey of over 1,000 current tenants across England and &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/london-property-market\/renters-lose-faith-in-government-after-indefinite-delay-to-section-21-ban\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Renters lose faith in Government after indefinite delay to Section 21 ban&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1463,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[463],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1462","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-london-property-market"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1462","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1462"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1462\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1464,"href":"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1462\/revisions\/1464"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1462"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1462"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.benhams.com\/press-release\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1462"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}