Housing Secretary Michael Gove announced the ‘Levelling Up’ White Paper yesterday, which will attempt to “change the economic model of this country”.
Landlord & Tenant specialist Will Bartley details what will be included in the White Paper and discusses the key takeaways for landlords below.
What does the levelling up White Paper include?
The White Paper will be published in the spring and will include ‘12 missions’ – economic targets to be achieved by 2030.
Of these missions, we’ve listed those that will affect landlords the most below…
Section 21 evictions to be abolished
‘No fault’ Section 21 evictions will be scrapped – meaning that landlords will no longer be able to evict tenants for no reason.
Landlords will be required to provide a ‘concrete and evidenced reason’ to end a tenancy.
We are yet to hear when this will come into force but will likely know when the White Paper is published in the spring. As always, we’ll keep you updated if we hear anything.
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What does the abolition of Section 21 evictions mean for landlords?
Will Bartley says: “This news will not be received fondly by many landlords, who have historically relied on S21 Notices and evictions to regain possession of their property when they need to sell it or move back into it.
It is yet to be seen if the grounds under S8 will be relaxed to incorporate the two scenarios above.
There is a fear that this will make landlords more reluctant to let properties to tenants, increasing rents, and that landlords will be far more rigorous in their vetting process as to who they let their property to.”
Click here to read the full article, where Will outlines some further takeaways for landlords.