A petition opposing the abolition of Section 21 evictions under the government’s Renters’ Rights reforms has attracted almost 9,000 signatures.

Launched in late January by landlord Craig Littlejohn, the petition calls for changes to landlord protections, including the introduction of a six-week expedited court process for mandatory Section 8 and 7A grounds covering rent arrears and anti-social behaviour. It also proposes the creation of a registered landlord database of tenants who have been evicted through the courts, along with an increase to the deposit cap to better cover serious property damage.

The petition argues that removing Section 21 would leave landlords reliant solely on Section 8 for regaining possession, which it says is too slow and ineffective.

Citing Ministry of Justice data, the petition states that the average eviction currently takes more than 27 weeks. It adds that delays lead to mounting rent arrears and property damage, placing financial strain on compliant landlords and undermining the wider rental market.

If the petition, which currently has 8,623 signatures, attracts 10,000 signatures, then the Government has to respond.

At 100,000 signatures, this petition will be considered for debate in Parliament.

You can view the petition here.