Exeter residents face eviction
Charities have warned that the ending of the eviction ban will result in homelessness and a lack of home security for thousands of people throughout England and Wales, the effects of which will be felt in Exeter.
Ministry of Justice data shows that from April to June 2022, landlord repossessions increased by 210 per cent from 1,582 to 4,900.
Under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, landlords are permitted to evict tenants without giving a reason.
Around 60 tenants of Rosebarn Park in Stoke Hill, Exeter, were handed no fault eviction notices by London-based firm Sophomore Property 1 Ltd.
Michael Grant, who has lived on the estate for three and a half years, said “They won’t tell us anything. They didn’t even tell us it was for the purpose of refurbishment”.
[Exeter] already has a serious homelessness and housing shortage problem, which this outrageous behaviour will make much worse
Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw via Twitter
The Rosebarn Park residents are at risk of homelessness unless they can find somewhere else to rent.
The Conservatives pledged to ban Section 21 notices just over two years ago, but plans were postponed.
Now the government has said it is supporting people facing the pressures of rising costs through a £37 billion package, including a £1,200 payment for the most vulnerable households. They added that the Renter’s Reform Bill will finally abolish “no fault” evictions if voted for in the Commons this year.
