Member

Amendment 64 aims to create a new ground for possession to support those families who need a carer. It would allow a landlord to seek possession of a property to accommodate a carer for the landlord, landlord’s spouse or other member of the landlord’s family. The ground is qualified by a requirement for the property to be in close proximity to the person requiring care, in order to facilitate emergency callouts when that person is a family member. While I understand the motivation behind the amendment, as clearly set out by the noble Baronesses, Lady Bowles and Lady Neville-Rolfe, and the noble Lord, Lord de Clifford, a core principle of the Bill is to increase the security of tenure that tenants enjoy. Throughout the Bill, we have created a ground for possession only when the circumstances are compelling. In our view, the amendment does not meet that high bar. We think that very few landlords will both require a carer who needs accommodation and happen to have a property of the right size and type available near their own home. Given the likely limited use of this ground and the risk of abuse, we do not think that it is justified. Where care is required, I also highlight that, should a landlord wish to accommodate a close family member who is acting as a carer to the landlord or their family, possession ground 1 may be available.