In recent years, small landlords have been issuing record numbers of Section 21 notices to their tenants. A Section 21 notice is a legal document that allows a landlord to evict a tenant from their rental property without having to provide a reason. This has become a major issue for tenants, especially those who are struggling financially or have been affected by the pandemic.
The number of Section 21 notices issued by small landlords has increased significantly in the last few years. According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the number of notices issued by small landlords has risen by over 30 percent since 2016. This is due to a variety of factors, including the increasing cost of renting, the difficulty in finding suitable tenants, and the need for landlords to protect their investments.
The issue of Section 21 notices is particularly concerning for tenants who are struggling financially or have been affected by the pandemic. Many tenants are unable to pay their rent on time, and Section 21 notices can be used as a way for landlords to quickly evict them without having to go through the lengthy eviction process. This can leave tenants feeling vulnerable and without any security in their homes.
The government has taken steps to address this issue by introducing new regulations that limit the use of Section 21 notices. These regulations require landlords to provide tenants with more notice before they can issue a Section 21 notice, and they also require landlords to provide evidence that they have taken reasonable steps to resolve any disputes with tenants before issuing a notice.
It is clear that the issue of Section 21 notices is a major concern for tenants, and it is important that the government continues to take steps to protect tenants from unfair evictions. Landlords should also be aware of their responsibilities when it comes to issuing Section 21 notices, and they should ensure that they are taking reasonable steps to resolve any disputes with tenants before issuing a notice.