LABOUR has called on the government to bring in urgent protection for private renters as the risk of eviction rises.

Tory infighting has left more than three million families across the Britain “in limbo” amid soaring inflation and mortgage rates, the party said.

Labour has called on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to face down his MPs after reports that as many as 50 are preparing to vote against protection measures under the Renters (Reform) Bill.

Shadow housing secretary Lisa Nandy said: “While ministers and Tory MPs argue amongst themselves, renters are left in limbo waiting for basic reforms that are long overdue, and grappling with the fallout from the Tory mortgage bombshell.”

Her party urged the government to urgently ban no-fault evictions, lengthen notice periods in cases of repossession and create a code of practice for letting agents to stamp out bad practice and ensure renters are treated fairly, measures announced last year in Labour’s Private Renter’s Charter.

Ms Nandy added: “Labour will never treat renters as second-class citizens.

“We will make renting fairer, more secure and more affordable with our Renters’ Charter.

“We will scrap no-fault evictions, introduce a four-month notice period for landlords, a national register of landlords, and a suite of new rights for tenants, including the right to make alterations to your home, the right to request speedy repairs, and the right to have pets.”  

It came as the PM faced calls to trigger a general election if he fails to hit his inflation reduction target.

Mr Sunak was described by former Labour minister Sir Chris Bryant in the Commons as “literally the worst person” to be leading the country through a cost-of-living crisis because he created it.

The PM has pledged to halve the rate of inflation by the end of the year.

Last week, the Bank of England raised interest rates, adding to the mortgage misery for many, in a bid to tackle inflation, which has stuck at 8.7 per cent.

Under the Renters Bill, which was introduced to Parliament last month, landlords would only be able to evict tenants in England under certain circumstances, including when they wish to sell the property or when they or a close family member want to move in.

If they do so, they would not be allowed to re-let their property for three months, with fines of up to £30,000 for breaching the new rules.

The Tories promised to ban no-fault evictions over four years ago, but opposition from back-bench MPs means reform has stalled, said Labour.