Residential landlords – ban on tenant evictions extended again
The ban on residential evictions due to come to an end this month has been extended again until 31 May 2021.
This means that no bailiff enforcement action will be allowed before that date except in extremely limited circumstances.
Why has the eviction ban been extended?
The government says the move will enable tenants in both the private and social sector to stay in their homes or find alternative accommodation and support as the country slowly moves out of lockdown.
It also believes that with around 49% of hospitality workers and 36% of retail workers currently renting, the extension will protect jobs as businesses re-open and renters return to work.
But for many residential landlords, already facing financial hardship as a result of mounting tenant debts, the news is a blow.
The first eviction ban came into effect in March 2020 and the latest extension means that the bailiff ban will have been in place for well over a year.
What do residential landlords need to know about the eviction extension?
The key points are:
- The ban on bailiff enforced evictions is to be extended until 31 May at least;
- The requirement for landlords to provide a six-month notice period of eviction also remains in place until 31 May;
- Eviction proceedings with two weeks' notice - using a Section 8 notice - can still proceed for the worst cases of problematic tenant behaviour including domestic abuse, anti-social behaviour and fraud and with four weeks' notice for extreme rent arrears.
Get in touch
For next steps advice, or to talk to our specialist debt recovery team, please contact Wards Solicitors' highly experienced Business Disputes team:
- James Murray: james.murray@wards.uk.com
- James Taylor: james.taylor@wards.uk.com
- Richard Darbinian: richard.darbinian@wards.uk.com
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