The Government have announced an extension to the ban on landlords evicting tenants in England and Wales.
Monday 24th August 2020 was the original deadline for evictions to re commence with regulations having been put into place shortly after the Covid-19 lockdown began in order to protect genuine cases of tenants struggling to pay their rent due to the outbreak.
The latest announcement means that landlords will have to legally wait until 20th September 2020 to begin proceedings using the eviction process.
Speaking to the BBC last Friday, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick, said: “I know this year has been challenging, and all of us are still living with the effects of Covid-19. That is why I am announcing a further four-week ban on evictions, meaning no renters will have been evicted for six months.
“I am also increasing protections for renters – six-month notice periods must be given to tenants, supporting renters over winter.
“However, it is right that the most egregious cases, for example, those involving anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse perpetrators, begin to be heard in court again. So, when courts reopen, landlords will once again be able to progress these priority cases.”
The final part of his statement was notable for landlords already under pressure. It means the prioritisation of the most serious cases, including those landlords who have not received rent for over a year.
Throughout the period we’ve been focussing on proven techniques to reduce the risk to landlords and tenants having to go through the stress, cost and anxiety of the eviction process.
This has included:
- Outlining to tenants their legal responsibilities, which have remained the same during the lockdown and beyond.
- Maintaining regular contact with tenants to help, if possible, with any affordability issues.
- Liaising with landlords and tenants to develop agreed payment plans where necessary.
- Maintaining an oversight of rent insurance availability and it’s impact on Landlords
Here at Martin & Co we’ve always believed and advised our landlords that taking eviction action is a last resort however if you have any questions around what the eviction ban extension means to you, call us, and one of our lettings’ experts will be on hand to answer them.
