Charities fear landlords are pushing evictions through before the renters’ reform bill becomes law

When Kitto Haywood moved into their eighth-floor flat in Manchester last year, they planted tomatoes, strawberries, garlic, carrots and mint in pots on the balcony. It had taken five months to find an ideal home after moving from Brighton. “I finally felt like we were going to be there long-term,” says Haywood.

But over the summer, Haywood, 24, let the plants wilt. On 21 May they received a “no-fault” section 21 eviction notice from their estate agent, telling them to leave in two months. Four months later, they’re still in limbo.