The government is consulting on its proposal to prevent landlords from evicting residential tenants without a reason. It is proposed that unless a Landlord can demonstrate a "good reason" such as that it wishes to sell the residential property with vacant possession or the tenant is in breach of its covenants then it will no longer be able to secure vacant possession. This will in effect mean that residential tenancy agreements become open ended.

Under the current law most rented homes are let under an assured shorthold tenancy for a fixed term, usually six months or a year. When the term ends the landlord may evict a tenant without giving a reason provided they give two months' notice. This status quo is set to be challenged. This also follows on from the proposal last year that residential tenancies should be for a minimum of 3 years with a mutual break at 6 months. We must wait to see the detail of the consultation as to how specialist accommodation (such as student accommodation) or rent increases are to be dealt with.

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