A spokesperson for Citizens Advice, Kirsty Rowlinson, has claimed at a public meeting that private landlords use Section 21 notices to avoid carrying out repairs. She mentioned at a meeting of Southampton council that the charity has observed what appear to be retaliatory evictions in response to tenants requesting repairs. Rowlinson explained that tenants often request repairs, and shortly afterward, landlords serve Section 21 notices, leading to evictions.
According to Rowlinson’s statements, the legal process for eviction through Section 21 is faster than the legal process for getting repairs done. Therefore, landlords may use this route to ensure that tenants are evicted before the court addresses the repair issues. The Citizens Advice spokesperson noted that 45% of the 2,200 housing issues reported to the charity in Southampton in 2023 were related to the private rental sector.
Rowlinson also highlighted an increase in sanctions, Section 21 notices, and rent arrears in Southampton, particularly in the past few months. Landlords might seek to raise rent, and tenants may struggle to afford the increases. Some landlords reportedly want to move into the property or accommodate family members, while others face financial difficulties and opt to sell their properties.
This information was reported by the Southampton Daily Echo. The spokesperson’s comments align with Citizens Advice’s broader concerns about backdoor evictions and excessive rent increases. The charity has previously warned that the Renters Reform Bill may still allow backdoor evictions. The proposed legislation includes new grounds for eviction, such as selling a property or accommodating family members, without requiring landlords to provide evidence after a tenant has left.
Citizens Advice has advocated for increasing the protection period for new tenants from eviction, proposing an extension from six months to two years. The Renters Reform Bill is expected to undergo its Third Reading in the Commons soon.
