Shadow Housing Secretary Criticizes Renters’ Rights Act for Eviction Surge
Sir James Cleverly said he has been given notice to quit his privately rented home. He made the remark at the London Housing Summit organised by the Centre for London.
Landlord notice and law changes
Cleverly said his landlord is selling the house he rents and has issued notice. He linked that notice to the upcoming Renters’ Rights Act.
The act will abolish Section 21 no-fault evictions and increase protections for private tenants. The new rules come into effect on 1 May.
Early effects and reactions
SpareRoom published a survey yesterday. It found 11% of tenants in England have been evicted or received notice.
That figure covers the period since the legislation received royal assent six months ago. Tenant organisations such as Shelter welcomed the law.
Suzannah Young, policy leader at the National Housing Federation, said removing no-fault evictions is an important step against rising homelessness.
Political critique and personal impact
The shadow housing secretary criticised the Renters’ Rights Act, saying it has prompted an eviction surge. He described the law as the wrong direction of travel.
He had voiced similar concerns in an Inside Housing interview in January. Sir James represents Braintree as a Conservative MP.
Reports in 2022 placed him living in Blackheath, south-east London.
Concerns for the private rented sector
Cleverly warned the private rented sector risks being regulated out of existence. He said his own notice is replicated thousands of times across the country.
Regeneration and design priorities
At the summit he backed regeneration and building on brownfield sites. He argued low-quality, low-density housing should be replaced by higher-density, higher-quality homes.
He stressed high standards of building and the importance of beauty in public spaces. He said public beauty matters for people who cannot afford private luxuries.
His remarks prompted debate at the summit. Filmogaz.com will follow further developments.
