The Renters’ Rights Bill, designed to abolish no-fault evictions, may contain a critical loophole that could allow landlords to remove tenants under the pretext of major maintenance work, according to analysis by Inventory Base.
A key provision of the bill is the elimination of Section 21 evictions, which has caused uncertainty among landlords about their ability to reclaim properties legally.
Inventory Base has reviewed landlord possession data in England and Wales, revealing a sharp rise in evictions since the lifting of the pandemic eviction ban.
Court-ordered repossessions increased from 7,451 in 2020 to 27,993 in 2024, underscoring the government’s urgency in strengthening tenant protections.
POTENTIAL MISUSE
However, Section 6B of the bill, which allows landlords to reclaim possession for significant repairs or redevelopment, has raised concerns about potential misuse. While necessary repairs are inevitable, the provision’s vague wording could be exploited as a backdoor eviction method, enabling landlords to remove tenants under false pretenses.
Without clear definitions, disputes over what qualifies as “major works” could overwhelm councils and courts.
The Bill’s lack of oversight also risks worsening the housing crisis, with displaced tenants struggling to find alternative accommodation amid rising rents and limited social housing. Moreover, landlords facing financial or planning delays may leave properties vacant for prolonged periods, reducing rental stock further.
To prevent misuse, independent inventory reports could offer a solution.
To prevent misuse, independent inventory reports could offer a solution. Pre-works inspections would provide verifiable evidence of a property’s condition, ensuring legitimate redevelopment claims.
Ongoing progress checks could confirm work is being carried out, while final inspections would certify properties are ready for re-letting, preventing unnecessary vacancies.
Inventory reports could also protect tenants from unfair deposit deductions and support local councils in enforcing the law.
SENSIBLE REFORM
Siân Hemming-Metcalfe, Operations Director at Inventory Base, says: “Section 6B could be a sensible reform – if it’s handled properly.
“But without clear definitions and proper oversight, it runs the risk of being misused, disputed, or even ignored. The rental sector needs transparency, accountability, and balance – and independently commissioned inventory reports can help deliver exactly that.
“If landlords, tenants, and local authorities all want a fair, functional system, evidence-backed documentation needs to be part of the equation. Otherwise, we’re looking at yet another policy change that creates more problems than it solves.”
