Why we need Section 21: rogue tenants do exist
Mary-Anne Bowring 12/11/2019
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Why is Section 21 Important for Landlords?
Section 21 provides landlords with a legal mechanism to regain possession of their property without having to prove tenant fault. This ensures landlords have a fair and efficient way to deal with problematic tenants while maintaining confidence in the rental market.
A Landlord's Nightmare: £29K in Rent Arrears
Landlord David Wright’s case highlights the risks landlords face. Despite providing a home in good faith, he was left with £29,000 in rent arrears. Beyond financial losses, he had to spend thousands more to repair and clean his severely damaged property.
The Impact of Problematic Tenants
Rogue tenants not only withhold rent but also cause severe property damage. In this case, the house was left in an appalling state, requiring extensive repairs and cleaning. Such situations demonstrate the need for a swift and effective eviction process.
Is There Any Hope for Recovering the Lost Rent?
Unfortunately, legal experts suggest that recouping lost rent is unlikely. Many landlords in similar situations struggle to recover arrears, making eviction rights even more critical to avoid prolonged financial damage.
Why Section 8 is Not Enough
While Section 8 was used in this case due to property damage and unpaid rent, it is often insufficient. Legal experts argue that it lacks the necessary strength to fully protect landlords, leaving them vulnerable in disputes.
The Danger of Abolishing Section 21
If Section 21 is abolished, landlords could face greater difficulties in regaining possession of their properties. Without a strong eviction process, many may hesitate to rent out homes, potentially reducing rental supply and increasing housing instability. This structure will help make the blog more engaging and easier to read. Let me know if you need any changes!
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Under Offer: This term applies to a property where the landlord is considering an offer but remains on the market. It implies that further offers may still be considered until the landlord formally accepts or declines the current offer.
Let Agreed: This term indicates that a landlord has provisionally agreed to enter into a rental agreement with a prospective tenant, pending additional checks and referencing. It doesn't require the prospective tenant to have paid a holding deposit.
Let: This term signifies an established binding rental agreement between the landlord and tenant.
For both lettings and sales, the guidance addresses additional terms:
New On The Market: This term is used for a property not advertised since its last sale or rental. It should only be used for a brief period.
New Instruction: It applies to a property assigned to an agent for marketing recently, even if it was previously listed with another agent without being sold or rented.
New and Exclusive: This term refers to a property that is either new on the market or a new instruction, exclusively available through a specific agent or portal.
New Method of Sale/Let: This term is used when a property is being marketed for sale or rent using an alternative approach to the original advertisement, such as transitioning to an auction or sealed bid.
Reduced: This term indicates that a property's price has recently been reduced. The reduction should be genuine and comply with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute's guidelines on pricing practices.