Last-Minute Rush: Landlords Evict Tenants Before Ban

0:00On April 8, landlords in England are rushing no-fault evictions right before the new law bans them on May 1st, 2026. The Renter's Rights Act will scrap Section 21, letting landlords kick out tenants without reason. Reports to the Renter's Union, ACORN, show these evictions, jump from one in five cases last October, to nearly one in three, by January. This spike hits hard and big cities where renters compete fiercely. Charities in Tenant Group say it's no accident. Landlords are beating the deadline to clear properties, often after rent disputes or hikes. Long-term tenants are reeling, shocked after years of steady renting. Lawyers and places like Coventry and Birmingham report a flood of these cases, with folks upset that loyalty means nothing in court. One organizer even got hit after fighting a 29% rent jump. Tenant unions across England are pushing back hard, saying the ban can't come fast enough. Shelter calls it outrageous that landlords exploit this window, and pre-ban cases will still play out under old rules.

1:03As costs for temporary housing soar, and more family space to streets, this rush eviction wave underscores why renters need these protections now, more than ever.