Eviction Process – Spotlight on a Flawed System
The current process has become a huge stress and strain for both the landlord and the tenant. The landlord, if having to go to court via a possession notice, currently has to accept that getting a court ruling can be a lottery depending upon where in the country the property is situated. The tenant likewise, doesn`t know how long the process might take and if looking to rent somewhere else, by own means or via the local authority, has a slim chance of finding another property.
In over 30 years of dealing with the rental industry, I can honestly say that up until Covid, I had probably issued as few as 15 genuine Section 21 Notices, because the landlord wanted to sell the property or move back into it. Over the last year, I have been asked to issue over 10 Notices, because Landlords of a certain generation do not want to go through the aggravation and upheaval of attaining a C Rated Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) and are selling up.
The biggest problem with the government removing any incentives for the landlords to stay or buy into the PRS (Private Rental Sector), is that a growing shortage of property has now become national problem of mounting proportions with no easy solutions in sight.
The tenants, who often have been at the property for some years and thought of it as their home, find themselves in the unenviable position of knowing the legal process will make them homeless unless they can find a new home. For many tenants buying a first home is not an option, as deposits require far too much money up front; and renting another property is both expensive and very limited in most areas of the country, given the supply of new rentals is a trickle of its former stream!
Those opting for help from the local authority, seldom fair any better because of the lack of social housing. Local authorities are struggling both with the number of applications they are receiving, coupled with a diminishing budget to pay for re-housing in short term facilities. Having to up sticks, with or without children, to be temporarily housed in a hotel or B&B, often miles from your previous home, is an absolute wrench and frequently involves increased travelling costs where a job is involved.
Two recent examples have hammered this home to me. One young family had to move out as the landlord needed the property back and despite being given 6 months notice and looking vigorously for a replacement home, they failed to find one and had to be evicted. Bidding on Devon Choice would involve competing with 50 other applicants! In another example, a landlord needed to sell the property as it would never reach the upcoming EPC requirements. This decision meant a couple with good jobs in Exeter, were unable to find anywhere to rent within 30 miles and ended up buying a smaller home in South West Somerset – some daily commute with a larger carbon footprint!
This snapshot highlights how much the government need to address this growing problem before it becomes (if it hasn`t already) an unmanageable crisis, affecting many of the vulnerable and less well off that the government are committed to helping.
#Sunshine #Propertyconsultant #Mediator #Eviction #Section21notices #Socialhousing