Landlords are “clearing the decks” before the Renters’ Rights Act comes in, according to Southampton Council’s Dave Shields.
10th Mar 20261 1,829 1 minute read Simon Cairnes
No-fault evictions are on the rise, and landlords are exiting the market before the Renters’ Rights Act reforms come into force on 1st May, a Southampton Council meeting has been told.
Cllr. Dave Shields (pictured), Chairman of the housing scrutiny panel, said: “I suspect, from my experience, there is an increase in the number of people receiving no-fault evictions.
“I wonder if that is linked to the fact that landlords are clearing the decks before the Renters’ Rights Act comes in.”
Maria Byrne, Head of Housing Need and Support at the council, confirmed she had also noticed the trend, saying: “I think your reflection is accurate.
We are starting to see an increase in landlords exiting the market… maybe thinking this is complex and maybe don’t want to be in it anymore.”
“I think we are starting to see an increase in landlords exiting the market, whether that is single landlords potentially with one property, maybe thinking this is complex and maybe don’t want to be in it anymore.”
Greater stability
Maria Byrne, Head of Housing Need and Support, Southampton Council
However, Byrne also argued that the legislation could provide greater stability for tenants and said the council was preparing for increased demand for advice and support.
She added: “We can’t just solely rely on social housing. That’s not something we can do, and we really want to work with the private rented sector more.”
According to the Daily Echo, the council has now updated its website with guidance on the new legislation for landlords and tenants, while staff are receiving training, so residents receive the correct advice about their options.
Tagsrenters' rights act 10th Mar 20261 1,829 1 minute read Simon Cairnes Share Facebook X LinkedIn Share via Email
