Nigel Farage admits Labour may force him to sell property with 'draconian' move: 'Huge mistake'

His comments come as the bill, which aims to ban no-fault evictions, reaches its second reading in Parliament.

The Renters' Rights Bill, set for its second reading in the Commons, aims to transform the private rental sector. Key provisions include banning Section 21 no-fault evictions and introducing Awaab's Law to the private sector, requiring landlords to address health hazards promptly.

The bill also seeks to limit rent increases to once a year at market rate and establish a new ombudsman service for dispute resolution.

Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner, who also serves as Housing Secretary, emphasised the urgency of the reforms, stating, "The thousands of children and families living in unsafe housing or under the cruel threat of a Section 21 eviction notice have been waiting far too long already."

Housing campaigners have welcomed the bill as a significant step forward, but call for further improvements. Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said the bill "is proof that [renters'] voices are finally starting to be heard".

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However, she urged for stronger protections, including limiting in-tenancy rent increases and extending eviction protection to two years.

The Renters' Reform Coalition echoed these sentiments, proposing a system of rent compensation for evictees.

Tom Darling, the coalition's director, suggested strengthening Awaab's Law by giving tenants the right to a "mediated rent pause" if landlords fail to carry out essential repairs on time.

Critics of the bill, including Shadow Housing Secretary Kemi Badenoch, warn of potential negative impacts on the rental market.

Badenoch argued that the legislation could "break" the market and "pit landlords and tenants against each other".

She expressed concerns that it may discourage property owners from renting out their properties, leading to reduced housing supply and increased rents.

This sentiment was echoed by Nigel Farage, who predicted that many landlords might opt to sell their properties rather than continue renting.

However, Angela Rayner defended the bill, emphasising its focus on "social justice and fairness for all" and rejecting calls for rent controls, stating they "restrict housing supply".