Citizens Advice has reported a notable increase in individuals seeking assistance with Section 21 'no fault' eviction matters in May 2023, reaching a record figure for a single month.

The charity has expressed concerns that the proposed Renters Reform Bill, aimed at banning Section 21 evictions, may inadvertently allow 'no fault' evictions to persist due to legislative loopholes.

During May, almost 2,000 people sought help from Citizens Advice regarding Section 21 issues, marking a significant 25% rise compared to May 2022.

In the first five months of 2023, there has been an unprecedented 9% surge in demand for support from individuals served with a Section 21 notice, compared to the same period last year.

Citizens Advice has voiced concerns about the Renters Reform Bill, stating that the ban on Section 21 'no fault' evictions could be undermined by the introduction of new eviction grounds and excessive rent increases, which may be utilized unfairly to evict tenants.

The bill includes grounds that allow landlords to evict tenants after only six months into a tenancy if they plan to sell the property or accommodate family members.

According to the charity's research, 48% of evicted renters were informed by their landlords of the intention to sell the property. Alarmingly, the new rules do not require landlords to provide proof of sale once a tenant vacates.

Citizens Advice warns of the potential misuse of excessive rent increases by landlords as a means to evict tenants. Over the past year, 1.8 million households either experienced a rent increase or faced the threat of one, leading to the eviction of 300,000 renters.

The charity highlights that less than 10% of renters who contested a rent increase succeeded, with limited and often inaccessible options available.

Citizens Advice is urging the Government to address these loopholes in the Renters Reform Bill to ensure enhanced tenant protection and security.

It advocates for extending the protection for new tenants against 'no fault' eviction grounds from six months to two years and implementing measures to prevent landlords from re-letting properties they claimed needed to be sold.

Matthew Upton, acting executive director of policy and advocacy at Citizens Advice, called for comprehensive reforms in the private rental sector and emphasized the need to prevent loopholes that could enable Section 21 evictions to continue.

"Our advisers increasingly hear from renters who are compelled to uproot their entire lives after receiving a Section 21 notice. For too long, renters have lived in precarious situations with limited protections, while landlords have held a position of advantage," Upton said.