Mass Evictions Loom as UK Bans No-Fault Repossessions

0:00On March 20th, over 100 tenants in London face eviction notices from Criterion Capital. The company owned by billionaire landlord, Asifa Zeez. These section 21 notices allow no fault repossessions with as little as two months warning. The moves come just weeks before a new law bans this practice across England on May 1st, 2026. The effective properties include Britannia Point and Collier's Wood, Delta Point and Coiton and Emerald House in New Maldon, which together hold 6, 106 flats. Criterion Capital owns major sites like the Trocadero Center and insists these are routine tenancy endings for market rate private renters, not a rush. Before the ban, tenants like those in Collier's Wood describe the short timelines as, shocking and unfair, especially for families. Local NPC Obine McDonough called it the largest mass eviction by a private landlord in decades during Prime Minister's questions. Mayor Sadiqon labelled it unacceptable and wrote directly to Aziz.

1:03Prime Minister Keir Starmer has ordered the housing secretary to investigate. Under the upcoming renters' rights act, landlords must then use section 8 notices with proven reasons like a Rears or Selling. Notices served by April 30th, 2026, can still proceed if courts act by July 31st. Criterion says fewer than 5% of tenants got notices and plans to engage directly with residents. Officials continue probing to ensure fair treatment as the law shift nears.