LEGAL loopholes risk undermining plans to stop “no fault” evictions on the private rental market, a charity has warned this week. Robert Taylor of the Camden Federation of Private Tenants (CFPT) said the government’s attempts to stop landlords telling their tenants to leave without a reason would not add much protection if it simultaneously “introduces new grounds for evictions”.

Prime minister Rishi Sunak announced on Monday that landlords will also be given the power to evict tenants with just two weeks’ notice if they are proven to be “capable” of anti-social behaviour, or if they fall two weeks behind on their rent.

Mr Taylor said: “As the old saying goes: what the good lord gives with one hand he takes with the other. Getting rid of Section 21 evictions but introducing lots of other measures will make it easier for landlords to evict tenants – we have some huge concerns about that.”

Other measures in the Renters Reform Bill – to be debated in parliament this year – include the creation of a “property portal”, or landlords register, a ban on rent rises more than once a year, and the creation of a new private housing ombudsman.

While Mr Taylor welcomes these measures, he is concerned the Bill “is silent on affordability”, adding: “We always say the tenancy is only as good as your ability to pay the rent. If you can’t afford to pay rent, that undermines the whole process.

“You have to make a decision on what the legislation is trying to achieve, otherwise it feels like a massive fudge – an attempt to try to find something that works for both that ends up satisfying neither.”

He would like to see the government alter the “notice period” from two to four months, introduce measures to make privately rented homes more affordable, and ensure local authorities are “properly resourced” to hold landlords to account.