Government extends ban on evictions

The Government has extended a ban on evictions for another four weeks with a new six month notice period set to be put in place until at least 31st March 2021.

The new amendment means that 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.

The government has also announced that it 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 those involving 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 cases, such as those involving anti-social behaviour and other crimes, as well as where landlords have not received rent for over 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 8% 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 are supported over winter, helping to keep them safe.

Today’s extension to the stay and 6 month notice periods will ensure those most at risk are protected. If tenants are unable to afford their rent we encourage them 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 MP said. 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 4 week ban on evictions, meaning no renters will have been evicted for 6 months.”

“I am also increasing protections for renters – 6 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.”

Responding to the news, The Money Advice Trust, has welcomed the Government’s four-week extension of the ban on evictions but says urgent action is still needed to ensure tenants struggling with other debts are protected from harm.

Jane Tully Director of External Affairs for the Money Advice Trust said “Today’s last-minute announcement offers short-term relief for private tenants at risk of eviction.  With the extension of the ban only lasting 4 weeks, however, the Government should put in place a comprehensive plan to protect these tenants before this extension ends.”

“Meanwhile, concerns over the end of a similar ban on bailiff visits in England and Wales – which is still set to expire this Sunday – remain unaddressed.  There is a real risk of a surge in bailiff action relating to council tax and other debts over the coming months, which poses both financial and public health risks.”

“The government either needs to extend its ban on bailiff visits, or otherwise put in place urgent guidance to ensure people struggling with problem debt are protected from harm.”

Dame Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said “We’re really pleased the government has stepped in to keep its promise that no renter will lose their home because of the coronavirus pandemic – for now at least.”

“During this extended pause on new eviction proceedings, we hope the government will work with Citizens Advice and others to put in place a series of protections which will help those who’ve built up rent arrears get back on their feet.”

“We’d like to see funding for a dedicated set of protections, including measures such as grants for those in arrears due to coronavirus.”

“This would not only directly help those affected, but also contribute towards consumer confidence and the economic recovery.”

StepChange Director of External Affairs Richard Lane said “This rushed and premature return to bailiff activity puts people at risk and will make debts harder to repay. We welcome the Government’s new guidance on how these visits should be conducted, but we still have concerns about how it will ensure this guidance is followed. We would also question, while still in the midst of the crisis, whether bailiff visits are a useful way to deal with arrears from vulnerable households.”

“The lack of oversight only highlights the urgent and longstanding need for an independent regulator. We are pleased that the government was mindful of our concerns, but fundamental reform remains essential.”