Landlords – extension of the eviction ban and recovering rent arrears
With the ban on residential evictions now extended from 25 June for another two months, many landlords will be increasingly concerned about their financial security.
The move, introduced as part of emergency Covid-19 legislation, means they will be unable to start new proceedings to evict tenants in either social or privately rented accommodation until 23 August 2020.
The government's decision has been condemned by the National Residential Landlords Association which says landlords will suffer 'devastating consequences' as a result with some facing five months without rental income.
What can landlords do?
Wards Solicitors can provide specialist advice if you need to seek an eviction once the ban is lifted due to severe rent arrears, anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse.
It's important to remember that there are still remedies in place which will enable you to recover sums due and unpaid under the lease.
These include the right to:
- Charge interest on the arrears at a rate specified in the lease;
- Bring debt recovery proceedings against tenants;
- Have recourse to a parent company, or other guarantors, rent deposits or other forms of security for payment;
- Serve a statutory demand on a tenant for unpaid rent, allowing them 21 days to make payment or agree terms of settlement before a petition is presented to the court seeking the bankruptcy of the
Specialist help and advice
To read more about how to regain possession or terminate a tenancy under the current Covid-19 rules, please see our news story: Coronavirus: Advice for UK Landlords in Relation to Residential Tenancies.
For further information or to talk about our specialist debt recovery service, please contact James Murray, James Taylor or Richard Darbinian, all members of Wards Solicitors' highly acclaimed Disputes Team.
James Murray: James.Murray@wards.uk.com
James Taylor: James.Taylor@wards.uk.com
Richard Darbinian: Richard.Darbinian@wards.uk.com