Four leading housing charities have welcomed an announcement from Brian Iddon MP that he will be pushing for better protection for private tenants, the hidden victims of the repossession crisis, in a Private Members Bill.

Crisis, Citizens Advice, Shelter and the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) have hailed the move which comes in response to a joint campaign to introduce legislation to protect private tenants from eviction with little or no notice when their landlords get repossessed.

The proposed change in the law will give the courts the power to delay possession to allow tenants a two month notice period to find a new home.


Brian Iddon MP was drawn first in the Private Members' Ballot, meaning he picked this issue above many others and is in a strong position to ensure his Bill now becomes law.

Leslie Morphy, Chief Executive of Crisis, said: "We are delighted that Brian Iddon has taken up the baton and pledged to work to give private tenants the protection they so desperately need. There are around 324,000 households who would be at risk of losing their homes with little or no notice if their landlord was repossessed so this legislation cant come soon enough. We now hope that Government and all parties will work together ensure this legislation is passed without delay."

Sarah Webb, Chief Executive of CIH, said: "We are very pleased indeed that Brian Iddon MP is giving his support to this important issue. It is absolutely crucial that households living in the private rented sector are afforded basic legal protection when they are facing the consequences of their landlords being repossessed."

(CD/BMcC)