Lawyers have warned that an underfunded justice system will hinder any progress made in strengthening renters’ rights.

As the Renters’ Rights Bill has its second reading in the Commons today, the Law Society says the legislation could lead to an increase in eviction hearings in the short term, which means it’s in both renters’ and landlords’ interests that renters have access to legal help and the courts are adequately resourced to handle increasing demand.

President Nick Emmerson (main image) explains that as the housing crisis spirals out of control, it’s vital that renters are afforded clear rights that protect them from unjust treatment and homelessness.

“Abolishing no-fault evictions is a critical step in bolstering these protections and we are pleased the government has prioritised this action in its Renters’ Rights Bill,” he says. “The government must also balance tenant rights with landlords’ routes to repossessions. Maintaining this balance is key to reforming the rental market.”

Acute

Law Society research reveals that 25 million people (42%) do not have a local legal aid provider for housing advice, while increasing numbers of law firms can no longer afford to offer advice as legal aid rates have fallen by almost 50% since 1996.  

“Acute underfunding of the justice system has left both a backlog of court cases and more than 25 million people without a local legal aid provider for housing advice,” adds Emmerson.

“To ensure renters are protected when facing eviction, funding for the justice system must increase alongside efforts to reform the rental market.”

Labour earlier this year said it would push ahead with its renting reforms despite the not being ready for the extra workload.