Evictions: advice for landlords

Landlords should be clear on matters relating to evictions in light of advice being given to tenants by third parties. News is circulating of consumer advisory bodies urging tenants to ignore eviction notices so they are evicted by bailiffs and subsequently rehoused.

In fact, The National Landlords Association says that 47% of tenants who have been served a Section 21 eviction notice have been told to ignore it, which costs the average landlord £6,763 in lost rent and additional costs.

The latest eviction developments relate to the Homelessness Reduction Bill, which aims to amend the Housing Act 1996. Paperwork reveals the hope of expanding councilsí duties to prevent homelessness by accepting that Section 21 eviction notices are proof a tenant is threatened with homeless, and doubling the definition of homelessness from 28 to 56 days.

The bill is due for a second reading in the House of Commons on October 28th 2016, and still has to pass through the House of Lords before receiving Royal Assent, which is when it would become law.

If you are a landlord seeking a Section 21 order, we urge you to seek professional advice by contacting our lettings team. We can advise on any eviction proceedings to ensure they are legally compliant and effective.