A prominent lettings agent says he can see why tenants have lost faith in the government following delays in the banning of Section 21 eviction powers.

Marc von Grundherr, director of London-focussed agency Benham and Reeves, makes the comment following a survey commissioned by his firm.

No fewer than 92 per cent of renters surveyed by the firm do not believe Section 21 evictions will ever be banned. As a result, 91 per cent the government cares about renters or their quality of life. 

Twenty three per cent of renters feel that their living situation is secure while landlords have the ability to serve a Section 21 notice, with the prospect of such eviction causing a heightened degree of stress of anxiety for three quarters of tenants 76 per cent. 

And 83 per cent of those surveyed claim that should they be evicted, they would struggle to find somewhere else to live. The primary reason for this was the fact that rental prices have continued to climb while they have been in their current rental property, making finding another property increasingly unaffordable. 

A lack of suitable or similar rental stock was also a key issue, along with the fact that they simply couldn’t afford to pay another rental deposit, at least until their previous deposit had been returned. 

von Grundherr adds: “Section 21 evictions are certainly a contentious subject, but having been promised greater protections since 2019, you can understand why the nation’s renters have lost faith with the Government when it comes to the ban on no-fault evictions. 

“It’s understandably a complicated process and one that needs to be properly implemented to ensure both tenant and landlord are properly considered. However, given that no real timescale has been provided with regard to the required court reforms, it does feel like a step in the wrong direction when it comes to renters rights. 

“The majority of tenants simply don’t feel their living situation is secure with Section 21 hanging over their heads and a great deal would struggle to find somewhere else to rent should they be evicted at short notice.”