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Abolishing Section 21 will leave landlords “virtually powerless” to evict

The proposed abolition of Section 21, which will do away with landlords’ rights to legally repossess property in an efficient and cost-effective way, will leave them “virtually powerless” to tackle chronic anti-social behaviour (ASB) among tenants in the rented property sector, according to the National Landlords Association.

In a survey of more than 40,000 members, the NLA found that over the past 12 months 14% reported having tenants who engaged in anti-social activities - ranging from drug abuse and prostitution to playing loud music.

Currently, landlords faced with disruptive or abusive tenants can issue a “no fault” Section 21 notice that enables them to repossess their property, typically within four months, without having to put neighbours and those affected by ASB through the ordeal of giving evidence in court. However, the government has unveiled plans to abolish this process, sparking fears among landlords that they will be unable to evict anti-social tenants.

Responding to the Government’s announcements Richard Lambert, the NLA’s CEO, said: “If landlords lose the right to issue a section 21 notice, they will be left virtually powerless to deal with anti-social tenants living in their property.

“Local communities often hold landlords responsible for the anti-social behaviour that takes place in their properties. But landlords cannot be blamed if they do not have effective tools to deal with the problem.”

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