Housing Secretary extends ban on evictions and notice periods

Renters affected by coronavirus will continue to be protected after the Government extended the ban on evictions for another four weeks, meaning in total no legal evictions will have taken place for six months, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick announced today (August 21).

The Government also intends to give tenants greater protection from eviction over the Winter by requiring landlords to provide tenants with six months’ notice in all bar those cases raising other serious issues such as anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse perpetrators, until at least the end of March.

The Government will keep these measures under review with decisions guided by the latest public health advice.

When courts do resume eviction hearings they will carefully prioritise the most egregious cases, ensuring landlords are able to progress the most serious, such as those involving anti-social behaviour and other crimes, as well as where landlords have not received rent for more than a year and would otherwise face unmanageable debts.

The Government has taken unprecedented action to support renters during the pandemic, preventing people getting into financial hardship and helping businesses to pay salaries – meaning no tenants have been evicted since the start.

As a result, according to independent research, 87% of tenants have continued to pay full rent since the start of the pandemic, with a further eight per cent agreeing reduced fees with their landlords.

The vast majority of landlords have shown understanding and leadership, taking action to support tenants.

With coronavirus still posing an ongoing risk to public health, the Government will continue to take action where necessary to further protect households in both the private and social rented sector.

Today’s extension to the stay and six month notice periods will ensure those most at risk are protected.

If tenants are unable to afford their rent they are advised to speak to their landlord to agree a solution, and some households may decide to consider moving.

Government will continue to work with the judiciary and stakeholders to ensure that the courts are prepared for eviction cases to be heard safely.

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, today, 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, and so when courts reopen, landlords will once again be able to progress these priority cases.”