Michael Gove’s renters’ reforms which could end no-fault evictions and strengthen tenants’ rights survive Tory discontent in Parliament

Housing Secretary Michael Gove‘s flagship rental reforms cleared another hurdle in Parliament with Labour‘s help last night, despite resistance from some of his own backbenchers.

The Tory MPs said the Renters’ Reform Bill, which will put an end to no-fault evictions and strengthen tenants’ rights, will prompt landlords to take properties off the market.

Between 30 and 80 Conservative backbenchers are thought to privately oppose the legislation, a 2019 manifesto promise.

Landlords can currently evict tenants who are not on fixed-term contracts without giving a reason, under legislation known as Section 21. Mr Gove last night reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to abolishing this, despite the backlash from his own MPs.

The Tory MPs said the Renters’ Reform Bill, which will put an end to no-fault evictions and strengthen tenants’ rights, will prompt landlords to take properties off the market

MP Marcus Fysh said: ‘This is a disastrous Bill for every renter in the country who wants to see a well-supplied housing market.’

Mr Gove said: ‘There is no evidence at all that the abolition of Section 21 will lead to any reduction in the number of homes in the private rented sector. Getting rid of Section 21 means a weapon used by unscrupulous landlords can no longer be in their hands.’

The Bill passed its second reading yesterday but Labour accuse the Government of trying to appease wavering MPs by delaying the Section 21 ban by insisting on court reforms so they are ready for landlords who will need them to reclaim possession of their properties.

Mr Gove, pressed to commit to implementing the ban on ‘no fault’ evictions without delay, told the Commons last night: ‘Absolutely. The sooner this Bill is on the statute book, the sooner we can proceed.’

But he acknowledged there could be a delay due to the required court reforms.