Legal News

The House of Lords has passed a Bill banning revenge evictions – also known as malicious evictions – which sometimes occur if a tenant complains to a landlord about maintenance of a rental property.

The new law is part of the Deregulation Bill and follows Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather’s failed attempt to introduce a Private Members’ Bill into the Commons to ban revenge evictions.

Housing charity Shelter said that around 200,000 revenge evictions take place every year.

After the Bill was passed, Shelter’s chief executive Campbell Robb said:

“We’re thrilled that politicians from all the parties have finally taken a stand for renters across the country today by banning revenge evictions once and for all.

“Hundreds of thousands of people will no longer face the appalling choice between living in a home that puts them or their family in danger, or risking eviction if they complain.”

Mr Robb also thanked supporters of Shelter who had backed the campaign to ban revenge evictions.

“This is an important step towards protecting renters across the country, but there is still more to be done,” he said.

“As we approach the general election, all politicians need to show renters they will continue to do everything they can to fix our broken rental market for good.”

Section 604 of the Housing Act 1985 (amended by the Local Government and Housing Act 1989) protects tenants against landlords who fail to make sure rental properties are fit for human habitation and are reasonably safe.

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise rental tenants and public sector tenants on disrepair of rented property – and how to take action against a landlord who fails to maintain a property or who fails to carry out Gas Safe checks or provide Energy Performance Certificates for new lettings.

Tenants are also protected from sustaining injury as a result of dangerous rental premises under Section 4 of the Defective Premises Act 1972.

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors are also able to advise tenants on unlawful eviction, including revenge eviction or malicious eviction.

For expert legal help with housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 020 7923 4020.