Majority of Brits back a ban on hated unfair evictions, new poll shows
MORE than 60% of Brits back a ban on no fault evictions, new polling shows.
A survey by think tank More in Common found the public overwhelmingly supports better rights for renters.
Over 80% of Brits back applying the decent homes standards to rental properties and more than 70% support doubling the rent increase notice period to two months.
It comes as Housing Secretary Michael Gove is desperately trying to stop Tory MP landlords from sabotaging the landmark Renters Reform Bill.
The new law would fulfil a Conservative manifesto promise to outlaw section 21 notices and fixed term tenancies.
But it's come up against fierce opposition from backbenchers, led by Totnes MP Anthony Magnall.
READ MORE MONEY NEWS
Labour has vowed to support the Bill - but Rishi Sunak is refusing to bring it back to the Commons until it commands more Tory backing.
The fresh polling by More in Common challenges perceptions that support for renters reform is a left wing issue.
Conservative 2019 voters back the proposals and those who have switched from Tory to Labour since 2019 are particularly likely to support them.
Overall, 55% of Brits think landlords have too much power, while only 14% say tenants do.
Most read in Money
More in Common UK Director Luke Tryl said: “Tory support with renters is currently close to rock bottom and that’s partly because people think they’re too often on the side of landlords.
"If Tories are going to address their problem with renters - and young people too - they need to show they’re serious about renters rights. Our polling is clear that the Renters Reform Bill is the way to do that - supported by renters and homeowners alike as a way of adjusting the balance between renters and landlords."
"Further delay on getting this Bill into law risks reinforcing the perception the Tories don’t care about a growing part of the electorate, further threatening their already perilous poll position.”
Tom Darling, Campaign Manager at the Renters Reform Coalition, said: "This research confirms what our own polling shows – reforms to rebalance England’s renting system are overwhelmingly popular among voters of all parties and demographics.
"Landlords know it, campaigners know it, and the government know it, which is why they promised to abolish section 21 in the first place.
The only people that don’t seem to know it are the rebel backbenchers blocking the Bill.
"They could do themselves a favour by having a good look at this polling and getting on with delivering their own manifesto commitment."