32% increase in the number of people served with ‘no-fault’ eviction notices in England and Wales

New figures released today show that 8,747 people in England and Wales were served with a Section 21 or a ‘no-fault’ eviction notice – which is a 32% increase (an increase of 2,131 households) from this time last year.

The Mortgage and Landlord Possessions statistics, from the Ministry of Justice, cover the period July to September this year. The figures also show:

• Since the last quarter (April-June 2023), there has been a 13% increase in Section 21 eviction notices served.
• The number of actual evictions carried out by bailiffs for Section 21s increased by 31%.
• Overall, the number of eviction claims made between July and September 2023 increased by 19% to 24,938. 
• The number of overall eviction notices served have increased across all regions. In London alone, 8,014 eviction notices were served which is an increase of 35% from this time last year.

Earlier this week, the Westminster Government recommitted to bringing in reforms for renters in England to strengthen their rights under the Renters (Reform) Bill. This includes abolishing Section 21 evictions. However, they say this will only come into force once the court system has been reformed, without any sufficient clarity on what this means or how long it will take.

These statistics also add to the urgent calls for the Chancellor to reset housing benefit rates in the upcoming Autumn Statement. As housing benefit remains frozen, too many people across Great Britain are left struggling to afford their rents which can lead to eviction.

Matt Downie, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: “Yet again, we see evidence of the insurmountable pressures placed on renters because of soaring rents and the cost of living crisis. With each eviction notice served comes the stress of finding somewhere else to live. In many cases, there are simply no affordable homes available.

“While the Westminster Government reaffirmed its commitment to scrap no fault evictions in the King’s Speech earlier this week, we are seriously concerned that these won’t be abolished fully until reforms to the court system take place, which may take years. Tenants must not be punished because the courts aren’t functioning properly. The Government must give struggling renters the protections they need to ensure more and more people aren’t pushed into homelessness.

“Ahead of the Autumn Statement, we urgently need the Westminster Government to invest in housing benefit so that people across Great Britain can afford even the cheapest of rents. On top of this, it’s vital they set out a plan to deliver the social homes we so desperately need.”