Section 21 fall-out continues: trade group launches its own consultation

The official government consultation period on the scrapping of Section 21 eviction begins shortly, but now a leading lettings sector trade body is launching its own survey.

Starting today the Residential Landlords Association is arguing strongly that the sector needs to be confident that landlords can swiftly and easily repossess a property for legitimate reasons such as tenant rent arrears, anti-social behaviour and wanting to sell the property.

Ahead of the government’s consultation, the RLA is giving the landlord community the opportunity to shape the future direction of the sector as it faces some of the biggest changes it has seen for decades. 

It will give landlords the opportunity to explain their experiences and frustrations in the current system and what they need to maintain their confidence at a time when the demand for rented housing is outstripping supply.

The survey also looks at what measures might be needed to mitigate the difficulties likely to be caused by the government’s plans and the problems landlords face when repossessing properties through the courts.

“The system needs to be fair to both landlords and tenants. The majority of landlords do a good job and it is vital that they have the confidence to provide the homes to rent we desperately need” explains David Smith, the association’s policy director.

“This survey provides an important opportunity for landlords to shape the future of the sector and ensure that it works for them every bit as much as it does for tenants.”