Scores of Northern Lincolnshire households needed support after S21 eviction notices
Section 21 'no fault' eviction notices are soon set to be abolished
Scores of households have needed support this year from northern Lincolnshire councils due to the threat of homelessness after being served Section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction notices. The Government’s Renters’ Rights Act got Royal Assent on October 27 and this will abolish S21 but not for some months yet.
From April 2024 to June 2025, there have been each quarter between 31 and 56 households in northern Lincolnshire requiring council support to avoid homelessness that cited S21 notices. North East Lincolnshire Council has consistently had higher numbers of households than North Lincolnshire Council deemed at risk of homelessness who cited S21 notices, according to Government data.
In April to June 2025, homelessness prevention duty was owed to 41 households in North East Lincolnshire that had been issued S21 notices. This compares to 14 for North Lincolnshire, its highest such number in all quarters since April 2024.
A North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson welcomed the law changes as giving private tenants “greater security and stability” and allowing landlords to still recover property when reasonable. They also urged anyone facing homelessness to contact its Homeless Prevention Service as soon as possible. A co-founder of a North East Lincolnshire community organisation that has focused on damp homes locally has also welcomed the Renters’ Rights Act.
What is changing?
The law passed by the Labour Government abolishes S21. It also brings in other changes to strengthen tenants’ rights:
Landlords and agents will be banned from asking for or accepting offers above advertised rent.
Awaab’s Law will apply to the private rental sector – this will set clear legal expectations on the timeframes for landlords to make homes safe that have serious hazards.
Landlords must consider and cannot unreasonably refuse a tenant request to keep a pet in a property.
To reinforce landlords’ right to evict tenants at the same time as abolishing S21, the Government is strengthening what is known as Section 8. Changes here include:
A landlord can repossess if they plan to sell or move into a property, provided the tenant has been there for more than six months; evidence of genuine intention is required.
Persistent arrears – stronger provisions to evict tenants if they fall behind on rent, even if they later clear the balance.
Anti-social behaviour ground – threshold of proof to be lowered, making easier to evict tenants for nuisance or damage.
In early November, Ben Beadle, the National Residential Landlords Association’s (NRLA) chief executive, gave evidence to MPs. The NRLA represents over 110,000 landlords and agents.
“I think there is a lot of trepidation,” Mr Beadle said about the reforms. “The sector does need a minimum of a six month lead-in period, there’s 4.7 million tenancy agreements that need to be updated overnight, there are local authorities that need to be upskilled, there are lawyers that need to know what’s going on.”
LOGIC co-founder welcomes Renters’ Right Act
Les Bonner, a councillor, is a co-founder of LOGIC (Leaders Organising Grimsby, Immingham and Cleethorpes). “Over the last year I have helped to organise a series of damp walks for LOGIC, a community group that aims to ensure action is taken to reduce the number of families living in poor quality homes.
“We have visited over 2,000 homes and spoken to more than 200 people about the problems this is causing them, but it has become apparent that many people are reluctant to speak to us because they fear being served with a Section 21 notice of eviction.” He welcomed the “long-overdue improvements for tenants” the Renters’ Rights Act brings in.
“Everyone deserves to be able to live and raise their family in a good quality home without fear of the sudden expense and upheaval caused by these Section 21 ‘no blame’ evictions.” He added there are many excellent landlords that maintain their homes in good condition, but this was not always the case.
“Abolishing ‘no-fault’ evictions under Section 21, will give renters greater security and the ability to plan their lives and finances with confidence. The shift away from fixed-term tenancies means families can stay in their homes without fear of having to move at short notice, which develops stronger and more rooted communities. The bill also introduces safeguards against unfair landlord practices—creating a fairer, more balanced rental market for everyone.”
Provided the changes are enforced, Mr Bonner said, it will improve accommodation standards and increase renters’ security. A North East Lincolnshire Council spokesperson said it welcomed the Renters’ Rights Act “giving private tenants greater security and stability whilst ensuring landlords can still recover their property when reasonable”.
“Having stable living arrangements is an important factor in people being able to lead healthy lives.” The spokesperson continued: “Our Homelessness Prevention Service provides support to those struggling with their housing situation, offering help with budgeting, managing bills, mediation with their landlord, debt advice and access to education and training. Where appropriate, we also support vulnerable people into emergency accommodation.
“We would urge anyone facing homelessness to contact our Homeless Prevention Service as soon as possible, ideally before they are given an eviction notice, by ringing 01472 326296 (Option 1).” The spokesperson added it encouraged landlords who have tenants struggling with their tenancy to speak to them about support they might need and “encourage them to contact our team.
“Landlords can also get in touch if they have permission from their tenants.”
North Lincolnshire Council’s homeless advice page is available here.