South Tyneside renters seeking help to avoid homelessness nearly halve
“Providing financial support, mediation, health or employment advice could be the key that helps someone remain in their home.”
Fewer South Tyneside renters are seeking council help around feared homelessness in a sign a key piece of new national legislation may be proving effective.
Latest data shows the number has fallen by almost half in a year on a monthly comparison basis – and the abolition of ‘no fault evictions’ from May could be key.
Borough housing chiefs confirmed early analysis pointed to added tenancy safeguards introduced under the Renters’ Rights Act 2025 as playing a role.
Figures show 511 people who feared losing their homes sought advice from South Tyneside Council between April and June this year.
That compares to 969 in the same period a year earlier - and further falls are indicated to September.
The annual figure also dropped to 3,015 by April this year, from a four year high of 3,405 at the same point in 2025.
Cllr Steve Smith, the council’s Lead Member for Housing, said: “Preventing homelessness is one of the council’s key priorities.
“It is encouraging to see a significant reduction in the number of people presenting as at risk of homelessness, although we will continue to monitor the figures to understand the longer-term picture.
“Early analysis suggests that changes to renters’ rights may be one factor, alongside our continued focus on early intervention and tenancy sustainment.”
The Renters’ Rights Act came into force in May and prevents landlords from recovering possession of a property simply because the fixed term has ended.
They had been allowed to do so under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988, provided they gave the tenant at least two months’ written notice and followed a set of procedural rules.
It was known as “no-fault” because the landlord did not have to prove the tenant had done anything wrong.
But critics claimed it tilted the balance of power too far towards landlords, leaving tenants with little ability to resist a section 21 eviction.
They argued the threat of no-fault eviction made it harder for tenants to challenge poor conditions or unfair rent rises.
Landlords can still recover possession of their property under the Housing Act 1988 and can do so on grounds including rent arrears, antisocial behaviour and damage to property.
Cllr Smith said the council continued to work hard to identify people who may be struggling at an earlier stage and provide practical advice and support before difficulties worsen.
He added: “When someone approaches us because they are worried about losing their home, we look at their individual circumstances and assess what advice, support and housing options may be available.
“Homelessness is not just a housing issue but requires coordinated action across a range of services.
“Providing financial support, mediation, health or employment advice could be the key that helps someone remain in their home.”
The data is contained in the council’s latest Quarterly Performance Update report.
It also shows a spike in renters approaching it for support immediately following the Covid pandemic.
The figure stood at 2,439 in the year to April 2022, jumping to 3,096 just 12 months later and peaking at 3,405 by April last year.