Landlord repossessions down - but tenants still waiting for better protection
12 November 2009
Crisis, the national charity for single homeless people, warns that even though landlord repossessions are falling, the Government must not renege on its pledge to provide extra protection for private tenants who can be evicted without warning when their landlord’s property is repossessed.
The Ministry of Justice figures (1) show that between July and September this year 33,541 possession claims were made on property owned by landlords. This is 3% fewer than in April-June 2009 and 9% fewer than the same period last year.
Crisis is pleased to see the number of repossessions falling, but is still concerned about the plight of private tenants in this recession. As the law stands, many tenants whose landlords are repossessed find they have none of the legal rights that usually protect tenants from losing their homes without notice.
In May 2009 the Government said it would legislate to provide more protection to private tenants caught in this trap. This followed a joint campaign by Crisis, Shelter, the Chartered Institute of Housing and Citizens Advice (2) which saw more than 125 MPs from across the political spectrum sign an EDM in favour of greater protection (3).
The proposed change in the law would give tenants in properties where the mortgage lender is not aware that the property has been let the opportunity to come forward and request a two month notice period to enable them to find other suitable accommodation.
But Crisis is concerned that the Government will fail to push this legislation through in the short session that is coming, unless it makes it a priority.
Leslie Morphy, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: "Private tenants have too often been the sidelined and hidden victims of this recession.
"This is a much-needed protection for a potentially vulnerable group, with cross-party support and at no cost to Government. This should be a no-brainer and we call on the Government to ensure this legislation is introduced and passes."
For further media information or to request an interview with Crisis spokespeople, please contact Jenny Westaway, Campaigns Manager at Crisis, on 020 7426 3863 or 07939 431 129 or jenny.westaway@crisis.org.uk
Ends
Notes to editors
(1) The Ministry of Justice figures can be found at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/latest-updates/mortgatelandlordpossession.htm
(2) The campaign briefing can be read at: http://www.crisis.org.uk/data/files/campaign/0903_a_private_matter__final.pdf
(3) http://edmi.parliament.uk/EDMi/EDMDetails.aspx?EDMID=38272&SESSION=899
Background on Crisis
Crisis is the national charity for single homeless people. We are dedicated to ending homelessness by delivering life-changing services and campaigning for change. Our innovative education, employment, housing and well-being services address individual needs and help people to transform their lives. We are determined campaigners, working to prevent people from becoming homeless and advocating solutions informed by research and our direct experience. We have ambitious plans for the future and are committed to help more people in more places across the UK. We know we won't end homelessness overnight or on our own. But we take a lead, collaborate with others and, together, make change happen.
