Legal News

Government figures have revealed that one-third of homeless people in London have been evicted from their homes by private landlords.

In London, the number of homeless “households” has risen by 3% to 4,350 in the last year – and the main reason for tenants becoming homeless was the ending of a tenancy agreement by a landlord.

Last year, 33% of those newly homeless had been evicted by their landlord – an increase from 28% in 2012.

In London, one-quarter of people who rent their home do so from private landlords. By the end of 2013, a total of 42,430 families were being housed in temporary accommodation in London – 75% more than across the rest of England as a whole. The figure also represents a 9% increase in families being housed in temporary accommodation since 2012.

In addition, the number of people in London who are accommodated in bed and breakfast guest houses also rose by 2% to 2,290. The number represents 59% of all households in England who are living in B&B accommodation.

In November, homeless charity Shelter reported that in the southwest of England there had been a significant increase in the number of families with dependent children living in privately rented accommodation – with some families living in poor quality housing.

Shelter found that some tenants in the private sector were so afraid of being evicted by landlords that they were paying for repairs to their rented homes themselves, rather than risk a confrontation with their landlord which might result in their tenancy being ended.

Commenting on the figures released this week, chief executive of Shelter, Campbell Robb, said:

“We speak to families every day putting on a brave face for the kids, while they move into emergency bed and breakfast accommodation for what could be weeks – or even months.

“These families are being let down by a safety net that’s been cut to shreds.

“The government must stem this rising tide of homelessness – and do far more to protect those of us who fall on hard times.

“With so many living on a financial knife-edge, a job loss or serious illness can be all it takes to tip anyone into a spiral that ends in homelessness.”

The Green Party is calling for more security for private sector rental tenants – as well as new regulations to stabilise rents in the private sector. London Assembly member Darren Johnson said:

“We urgently need more security for private tenants and regulations to stabilise rents so that homeless families can be housed properly – otherwise they will be left sofa-surfing, living out of B&Bs, or they will be shipped out of London to somewhere cheaper.”

In April 2012, the Conservative housing minister at the time, Grant Shapps, wrote to Westminster Council saying that families with children should be placed in B&B accommodation only as a last resort – and for no longer than six weeks.

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis is a leading firm of housing solicitors and can advise rental tenants on issues such as Local Authority housing, as well as housing benefit, unlawful eviction, disrepair and Landlord and Tenant disputes.

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors are also a leading provider of Legal Aid services.

For expert legal advice on housing law – including unlawful eviction – contact Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 020 7923 4020.