Housing Secretary Steve Reed defends the upcoming ban on ‘no fault’ evictions and introduces measures to stimulate new housing development in London amidst concerns over affordability and homelessness.
Newly appointed Housing Secretary Steve Reed has robustly defended the upcoming ban on ‘no fault’ evictions, known as Section 21 evictions in England, insisting it will protect tenants from abrupt and unjustified evictions by landlords and letting agents. Speaking to the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee, Reed emphasised that the ban, set to come into effect in May 2026 under the Renters’ Rights Act, will close a major loophole that has driven many renters into homelessness.
Reed described Section 21 evictions as one of the most common ways in which people lose their homes without warning or valid reason. “Banning no fault evictions will close down one of the most significant routes into homelessness that people face when they are thrown out with no notice and for no good reason,” he told MPs, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring renters have greater security and fairness. The Renters’ Rights Act, which received Royal Assent last month, also aims to empower tenants by allowing them to challenge poor housing conditions and unreasonable rent hikes without fear of retaliatory eviction. Furthermore, the Act introduces a right for renters to end their tenancy with two months’ notice while safeguarding legitimate landlord interests through clearer grounds for repossession. The government has pledged to publish a detailed implementation roadmap in the near future.
Beyond tenant protection, Reed addressed the pressing issue of declining new housing supply, particularly in London, where new build starts have drastically slowed, leaving many boroughs without any new construction last year. He acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, noting that the slowdown in London is more acute than elsewhere in England. To tackle this, Reed has worked with London Mayor Sadiq Khan to unveil a housing package aimed at reviving the market. One of the notable measures includes temporarily reducing the affordable housing requirement for new developments in London from 35% to 20%.
This move is designed to accelerate new building projects by making schemes more financially viable for developers in a high-cost, high-interest environment. However, critics, including homelessness campaigners and some Labour MPs, argue that lowering affordable housing quotas could undermine efforts to provide adequate affordable homes for those in need. According to the new arrangement, 60% of the 20% affordable housing must be available at the lowest social rent levels, ensuring some level of support for lower-income families.
The reduction in affordable housing quotas is expected to be temporary, likely lasting no more than two years, with the intention to revert to higher quotas ahead of the next mayoral elections in 2028. This policy shift indicates a balancing act between stimulating construction and maintaining commitments to affordable housing provision.
The government’s broader agenda includes a £39 billion Social and Affordable Homes Programme intended to accelerate social housing construction across England, backed by £7 billion specifically aimed at removing barriers for councils to build at scale. A £150 million package is also dedicated to enabling mayors to redevelop brownfield sites into homes, jobs, and green spaces, reflecting a multi-faceted approach to housing development beyond just London.
Complementing these efforts, the UK government recently pledged £2 billion to build up to 18,000 affordable homes, with construction scheduled to commence in March 2027. This initiative, part of the Labour Party’s wider strategy to reduce the housing shortage, also aims to stimulate economic growth through faster construction and planning reforms. Housing Minister Angela Rayner underscored the significance of this investment for working families seeking secure housing.
The series of reforms and investments outlined by the government signals a commitment to tackling England’s housing crisis from multiple angles: securing renters’ rights, stimulating new homebuilding, and boosting affordable housing supply. Yet, the challenge remains to carefully balance immediate market incentives with long-term social housing goals that address homelessness and housing affordability in some of the country’s most pressured urban areas.
📌 Reference Map:
- [1] (The Negotiator) – Paragraphs 1, 2, 4, 5
- [2] (GOV.UK) – Paragraphs 1, 2
- [3] (GOV.UK) – Paragraph 6
- [4] (Reuters) – Paragraph 7
- [5] (The Guardian) – Paragraph 4
- [6] (Evening Standard) – Paragraph 5
- [7] (Evening Standard) – Paragraph 5
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative is current, with the article dated 15th November 2025. The Renters’ Rights Act, which includes the ban on Section 21 evictions, received Royal Assent in October 2025, and the ban is set to commence in May 2026. ([gov.uk](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/no-fault-evictions-to-end-by-may-next-year?utm_source=openai)) The article provides recent statements from Housing Secretary Steve Reed, indicating high freshness.
Quotes check
Score:
8
Notes:
The direct quotes from Steve Reed in the article are consistent with his recent public statements regarding the ban on Section 21 evictions. Similar statements have been reported in other reputable outlets, such as The Independent. ([independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/steve-reed-government-landlords-ministry-of-housing-keir-starmer-b2864991.html?utm_source=openai)) No significant discrepancies in wording were found, suggesting the quotes are accurately reported.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from The Negotiator, a UK-based publication focusing on property and housing news. While it is a niche publication, it is known within the industry. However, it is not as widely recognised as major outlets like the BBC or The Guardian, which may affect the perceived reliability.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims made in the narrative align with recent government announcements and legislative developments regarding the Renters’ Rights Act and the ban on Section 21 evictions. The Independent and other reputable sources have reported similar information. ([independent.co.uk](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/steve-reed-government-landlords-ministry-of-housing-keir-starmer-b2864991.html?utm_source=openai)) The language and tone are consistent with official communications, and the details provided are plausible and corroborated by multiple sources.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is current and aligns with recent government announcements and legislative developments regarding the Renters’ Rights Act and the ban on Section 21 evictions. The quotes from Housing Secretary Steve Reed are consistent with his recent public statements, and the information is corroborated by other reputable sources. The source, The Negotiator, is a niche publication known within the property industry, though not as widely recognised as major outlets. Overall, the narrative appears credible and accurate.
