Government extends ban on tenant evictions during Covid crisis

The ban on evicting tenants who can’t pay their rent due to the Covid-19 crisis has been extended until 23rd August.

Natalie Tatton, Solicitor in our Dispute Resolution team provides an update:

The move is to ensure that renters continue to have certainty and security.

The government says that where tenants do experience financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic, they should work with their landlords to explore all possible options – such as flexible payment plans that take into account a tenant’s individual circumstances – to ensure cases only end up in court as a last resort.

The ultimate ambition is to transition out of these measures at the end of August to allow the market to operate while ensuring people have appropriate access to justice.

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP said: “Eviction hearings will not be heard in courts until the end of August and no-one will be evicted from their home this summer due to coronavirus.

“We are also working with the judiciary on proposals to ensure that when evictions proceedings do recommence, arrangements, including rules, are in place to assist the court in giving appropriate protections for those who have been particularly affected by coronavirus – including those tenants who have been shielding.

Other measures taken by the government in relation to Covid include:

• The introduction of emergency legislation so landlords won’t be able to start proceedings to evict tenants for at least a 3-month period which will remain in place until at least September.

• Extending mortgage payment holdings to include landlords whose tenants are experiencing financial difficulties due to the pandemic.

• Supporting businesses to continue to pay their staff through the furlough scheme, as well as strengthening the welfare safety net with a £7 billion boost to the welfare system and increasing Local Housing Allowance.

• Delivering £180 million in Discretionary Housing Payments to councils across the country to support renters with housing costs in the private and social rented sectors.

• Guidance which helps landlords and tenants to work together to resolve issues at the earliest opportunity.

If you would like more information about the issues raised in this article or any aspect of commercial property law please contact Natalie on 01228 516666 or send her an email.