NHF response to the Renters' Reform Bill

In response to the Renters' Reform Bill, Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, says:

"We welcome any change to the law that gives private renters greater security. No fault evictions cause untold upheaval and stress for those renting privately, forcing them to uproot their lives and, for those on low incomes, often putting them at risk of homelessness.

"The changes announced today will be particularly important for families living in private rented homes. Since 2006, the number of families forced to rent privately has doubled, largely due to the severe shortage of social housing. Even after these reforms, renting privately is still typically twice as expensive and less secure than renting social housing. Alongside improved security and regulation in the private rented sector, we urgently need a long-term national plan to build more social rented homes – the only type of home that is suitable, secure and affordable for families on low incomes.

"We will continue to work closely with the government to ensure that the details of the legislation don’t have any unintended consequences for housing associations and particularly providers of supported housing."