Investment in justice key to unlocking rental reform

This call comes as the Renters’ Rights Bill undergoes second reading in the Commons tomorrow (October 9).*

Law Society president Nick Emmerson said: “As the housing crisis spirals out of control, it is vital that renters are afforded clear rights that protect them from unjust treatment and homelessness.

“Abolishing ‘no-fault’ evictions is a critical step in bolstering these protections and we are pleased the government has prioritised this action in its Renters’ Rights Bill.

“The government must also balance tenant rights with landlords’ routes to repossessions. Maintaining this balance is key to reforming the rental market.

“We remain concerned that an underfunded justice system will hinder any progress made in strengthening renters’ rights.

“As the bill may lead to an increase in eviction hearings in the short term, it is in the interests of both renters and landlords that renters have access to legal help and that the courts are adequately resourced to handle the increasing demand.

“Acute underfunding of the justice system has left both a backlog of court cases and more than 25 million people without a local legal aid provider for housing advice.** To ensure renters are protected when facing eviction, funding for the justice system must increase alongside efforts to reform the rental market.

“The justice system plays a vital role in ensuring renters can access their rights. If the government is serious about supporting renters, it must recognise this vital role and invest in legal aid and court reform. “

Notes to editors

• * Learn more about the second reading of the Renters’ Rights Bill here.
• ** Law Society research has found that 25.3 million people (42%) do not have a local legal aid provider for housing advice. Additionally, more and more law firms can no longer afford to offer advice, as legal aid rates have decreased by almost 50% since 1996. Learn more about our work on housing legal aid
• View our housing legal aid desert map

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