The controversial Renters Reform Coalition – a band of campaigners including the Acorn and Generation Rent ginger groups – claims public support for five rental reforms in 2024.
It says 71 per cent of the public – in a poll the coalition itself commissioned – back the abolition of Section 21 eviction powers. “There’s no excuse for not passing the Renters Reform Bill and getting this done before the next General Election” claims the coalition in a Christmas social media burst.
Some 63 per cent of the coalition’s poll apparently back a call for two year protected tenancies from Section 21 eviction grounds. “Renters should be able to put down roots, and plan for the future. This is impossible if you could be evicted just six months into a new tenancy” claims the coalition.
Again, 63 per cent are said to back discretion for judges in court. The coalition demands: “Renters must have the option to challenge an eviction in court and a judge should have the discretion to decide what is right. Evicting someone from their home is never ‘black and white’ and a public majority agree legislation should reflect that.”
The coalition’s fourth Christmas wish is an end to economic evictions – which appears to be the activists’ new terms for a rent rise. The group says: “Abolishing Section 21 without restricting in-tenancy rent increases risks landlords abusing unaffordable rent hikes as the ‘new’ no-fault evictions. A significant majority agree: it’s time to cap in-tenancy rent increases.” The coalition claims 68 per cent back this.
Finally 71 per cent are said to support four months notice periods rather than two. “A key factor behind Section 21 driving homelessness is that two months is just not long enough to find a new home and save up for a move. Keeping the status quo isn’t good enough and the public agree” says the Renters Reform Coalition.
On the RRC website, in addition to around 20 activist groups which are actual members of the coalition, it lists supporters including POMOC – Polish Migrants Organising for Change; Loughborough Students Union; and the Dogs Trust.
