The changes to the Section 21 rules, which will see an end to ‘no explanation’ repossessions, will result in landlords being more selective over the tenants they rent to, according to research by the Residential Landlords Association (RLA).
The study, which was one of the largest non-Government surveys of agents and landlords, found that 84 per cent of agents and landlords would be more selective about the tenants they choose.
The survey found that landlords would be less likely to rent a property to a tenant who is considered to be at higher risk of rent arrears or of causing damage.
A Section 21 notice allows a landlord to regain possession of the property at the end of a tenancy with at least two months’ notice given, but this can be done without providing a reason.
The research found that 84 per cent of landlords who had used a Section 21 to repossess a property had done so because of rent arrears, while 56 per cent used it because of damage to a property, and over half because of anti-social behaviour.
The Government has planned to consult on proposals to replace Section 21 repossessions with a new system, which has yet to be announced.
David Smith, Policy Director at the Residential Landlords Association, said: “Whilst no landlords should ever abuse the system, it is only right and fair that they can repossess properties swiftly and with certainty in legitimate circumstances.
“At present, only Section 21 provides this certainty. If the Government is to get rid of it, landlords should have the same level of confidence and certainty about repossessing properties in cases such as rent arrears, anti-social behaviour or wanting to sell the property.”
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