Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Landlord Today. Read the original article for full details.

Government Says Section 21 Led to Thousands Becoming Homeless

The government has stated that the former Section 21 possession powers held by landlords “pushed thousands into homelessness.” This claim was made in a government statement regarding the repeal of the Vagrancy Act.

Section 21 previously allowed landlords to regain possession of their properties without providing a reason. The government’s statement links the use of these powers to a significant number of people becoming homeless.

The announcement was made as part of the government’s move to repeal the Vagrancy Act, a law that had criminalised rough sleeping and begging for nearly two centuries. The statement did not provide further details or statistics about the impact of Section 21.

For letting agents and inventory clerks, the government’s position highlights the ongoing scrutiny of possession processes and the potential impact of legislative changes on tenants and landlords alike.