Aim for no-fault eviction ban to be in place by summer

The government hopes a ban on evicting tenants in England without a reason will be in place by next summer, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook has said.

The plans are part of a Renters’ Rights Bill, which was published and introduced to Parliament on Wednesday.

A ban on "no-fault" evictions was first proposed under the Conservatives but it was delayed amid concern about the impact on landlords from some Tory MPs, and time ran out to the law before July’s election was called.

The bill would also ban "bidding wars" and prevent landlords from blocking tenants on benefits or with children.

Renter groups welcomed the bill, which they said included stronger protections than the previous version.

However, they said more work was needed to combat unreasonable rent increases.

Meanwhile, landlords said it was "vital" the sector had enough time to properly prepare for the changes.

Asked how quickly the changes would be introduced, Pennycook told BBC Breakfast: "We hope [the bill] will make very quick progress through the House of Commons and that we have that new tenancy system in place within the first half or around summer next year."

The plans must be approved by MPs and peers, who could propose further changes, before they become law.

Under the proposals, Pennycook said landlords would still have "robust grounds" for regaining possession of their property if needed; for example, if they wanted to sell or move into the home, or if a tenant was causing anti-social behaviour or in rent arrears.

Anne, from Northampton, said she was left in "a state of limbo" after her landlord served her with a no-fault eviction notice.

"[My landlord] wanted to live in it again which is fair enough. But it was my home," she told BBC Radio 5 live.

"I was left unable to afford to rent privately because in the last four years the rents have gone up drastically."

Anne was facing homelessness, which she described as a "horrible experience", until her local council found her temporary accommodation at the last minute.

She's now waiting for a permanent home.

"Fair enough that [my landlord] should be able to have her house back. But where does that leave me":[]}