Landlord Action founder Paul Shamplina says the government must set a date for Section 21 abolition to give all sides of the rental sector some certainty.

This week the House of Commons finished its deliberations on the Renters Reform Bill and agreed an amendment to the original Bill which said S21 abolition would not happen until it was clear that court processes were up to speed to handle alternative eviction methods.

However, no date was set – infuriating activists who want certainty the measure will actually make it into law.

Shamplina, for very different reasons, also wants a deadline.

He says: “Undoubtedly, court reforms are necessary to ensure the system can effectively handle the increase in Section 8 proceedings resulting from the abolition of Section 21. Without adequate preparation, there is a risk of overburdening an already strained legal system, leading to further delays and inefficiencies that could adversely affect both landlords and tenants. In 2019 when the bill was announced my very words were ‘ You cannot ban section 21, until we have clarity the courts can work, so landlords have confidence’. 

“However, what’s equally crucial is clarity and commitment from policymakers regarding the timeline for implementing these court reforms. Landlords, as well as tenants, require assurance that any changes to the rental landscape will be accompanied by measures to streamline the legal process and provide timely resolution to disputes.”

Shamplina – a regular contributor to Landlord Today’s weekend features section – continues: “It’s important to recognise that the uncertainty surrounding the future of Section 21 has already led many landlords to sell their properties. This trend ultimately impacts tenants by shrinking the pool of available rental properties, leading to increased competition and potentially higher rents. 

“In this context, a clear commitment to timely court reforms is not only crucial for landlords’ peace of mind but also for maintaining a healthy rental market that serves the needs of both landlords and tenants.

“A transparent roadmap outlining the steps and timeline for court reforms would provide much-needed clarity to all parties involved, allowing landlords to plan accordingly and ensuring all parties have access to fair and efficient legal recourse.

“In essence, while I agree that court reforms are necessary to accommodate the almost certain increase in Section 8 proceedings (approximately another 30,000 hearings a year), a clear commitment to when these reforms will be implemented is essential to provide landlords and tenants alike with the certainty and confidence they need to navigate the evolving rental market landscape.”