Analyzing indicates older private renters are intimidated by the looming threat of eviction, according to recently released findings.

In a recent statement, Polly Neate, the chief executive of Shelter, expressed her concern about the plight of older renters living in constant fear of being evicted without reason. According to research conducted by Shelter and The Co-operative Bank, a quarter of renters aged over 55 say that worrying about eviction is negatively impacting their mental or physical health.

The issue at hand is the Section 21 no-fault eviction rule, which allows landlords to evict tenants with just two months' notice, and without providing a reason. This rule has been a source of distress for many older renters who, after working hard for security in their later years, find themselves stripped of it by these evictions.

The delays to the Renters (Reform) Bill, which aims to abolish no-fault evictions, are particularly concerning. These delays are harming the health of thousands of older tenants, according to Shelter. The Bill, which is crucial for ending the gross injustice of Section 21 no-fault evictions, is a crucial step towards a safe and fair private renting system for all tenants.

Polly Neate urged the government to fulfill its promise and pass the Renters (Reform) Bill. She criticized the system that forces older renters to pay high prices for subpar rentals that cause worry. The gross instability caused by Section 21 no-fault evictions means the rental sector is not fit for purpose for the growing number of older tenants who call it home.

When extrapolated across the population, this equates to 400,000 people who live in fear of eviction. The survey was based on a study of 4,023 privately renting adults in England, of whom 875 were aged over 55.

Shelter also urged the government to scrap no-fault evictions and protect at-risk renters from the threat of Section 21. The current Minister responsible for housing and settlement issues in England, who has called for the abolition of no-fault eviction rules, is Rayner. She is in charge of the housing portfolio in the British government.

It's worth noting that nearly one fifth of adult private renters in England are over 55, up by nearly a third in the past decade. A third of all private renters (34%) say the last time they moved, it took them longer than two months to find a new privately rented home. This further highlights the need for stability and security in the rental sector for older tenants.

Polly Neate appealed to the government to prioritize the passage of the Renters (Reform) Bill, emphasizing the need for a safe and fair private renting system for all tenants. The Bill, if passed, would bring much-needed relief to the thousands of older renters living in fear of eviction, and would mark a step towards a more secure and stable rental sector for all.

Analyzing indicates older private renters are intimidated by the looming threat of eviction, according to recently released findings.