UK Landlord Forum / Life

Nearly choked on my porridge to hear 21 could be abolished.One of the reasons given was that landlords were using it to evict tenants who had complained.I understood that it was illegal to use it within 6 months,to prevent retaliation by landlords.Is this another nail in the coffin of BTL?

The provisions against retaliatory eviction only cover specific circumstances, so I can see how it might well still be going on. As to the effect of abolishing S21, it'll depend whether the beefed-up S8 is an adequate substitute.

I imagine it'll reduce the number of small operators in the market, as existing landlords sell up and new entrants are put off. Even if most landlords never have to pursue a S21 - why would they, in the majority of cases? - it's good to have the ability to move on a tenant who just doesn't "fit".

I wonder if we'll see a move towards landlords wanting longer fixed terms? After all, if you can't bring a tenancy to an end after six months, you may as well make sure your tenant can't either.

I have rarely used 21,but when I have it has been to avoid all the potential loopholes,even though serious grounds for eviction have existed.Others on here have also mentioned the useful way it can sometimes serve as a warning to tenants,who then change their ways. 

The only people I can see benefitting  are solicitors,consulted by landlords scared to navigate the more complex eviction methods.I think I would welcome a minimum 12 month AST.