Last-minute surge in evictions as law change looms

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Charities and pressure groups sound the alarm over 65% increase in no-fault eviction cases ahead of May ban.

9th Apr 20260 659 1 minute read Simon Cairnes

A growing number of landlords are pushing through no-fault evictions in the final weeks before the law changes, with both tenant groups and charities warning of a significant last-minute surge in activity.

Renters’ union Acorn told the Guardian that no-fault evictions have risen from one in five of the reports it received from members in October to nearly one in three by January – a 65% increase.

No coincidence

Its spokesperson said: “This isn’t a coincidence. Landlords are clearly rushing to force through last-minute evictions before the ban comes into force.”

Hugh Wilkinson, Head of Housing, Central England Law Centre

Housing lawyers are also reporting an increase in their caseloads in the sector. Hugh Wilkinson, Head of Housing at Central England Law Centre, says that he is seeing more long-term tenants served notice unexpectedly.

He told the Guardian: “It can be quite upsetting for people. To think that they’ve been there for a long time and that the length of time doesn’t make any difference. The court won’t take into account the fairness of it.”

It’s especially outrageous that some landlords are exploiting this thin window of time to serve no-fault evictions.”

Housing charity Shelter added: “It’s especially outrageous that some landlords are exploiting this thin window of time to serve no-fault evictions.”

Meera Chindooroy, Deputy Director for Campaigns, Public Affairs and Policy at the NRLA

However, the National Residential Landlords Association’s Deputy Director for Campaigns, Meera Chindooroy, points out: “Landlords will be looking at their current tenants and considering whether these are tenancies that they are happy to continue with after May.”

Any no-fault eviction proceedings initiated before the May 1st deadline under the existing rules will still be able to proceed even after the new ones come into force.

TagsSection 21 notice 9th Apr 20260 659 1 minute read Simon Cairnes Share Facebook X LinkedIn Share via Email