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The UK government have announced their intention to extend Covid-19 relief for tenants. The Housing Minister, Christopher Pincher, revealed that people renting in England will continue to be supported with longer notice periods until at least October 2021. The current ‘emergency rules’ were set to expire on the 31st of May.
“As Covid restrictions are eased in line with the Roadmap out of lockdown, we will ensure tenants continue to be supported with longer notice periods, while also balancing the need for landlords to access justice.”
Rt Hon Christopher Pincer MP – Housing Minister
Unfortunately, the news does not signal a return to normal for landlords. Eviction requirements will remain more onerous than they were before the pandemic. However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. The length of notice periods has been reduced from 6 months to 4 months. Additionally, the current ban on bailiff-enforced evictions will end on the 31st of May. Although bailiffs will still be asked not to carry out evictions if any residents have Covid-19 symptoms or are self-isolating – guidance which may provide a loophole for those seeking to find one.
What Has Changed?
As of 1st June 2021, the current 6-month notice periods will be reduced to 4 months in England. Notice periods for the most serious cases and those which cause the most strain on landlords will remain lower:
- Anti-social behaviour (immediate to 4 weeks’ notice)
- Domestic abuse in the social sector (2 to 4 weeks’ notice)
- False statement (2 to 4 weeks’ notice)
- Over 4 months’ accumulated rent arrears (4 weeks’ notice)
- Breach of immigration rules ‘Right to Rent’ (2 weeks’ notice)
- Death of a tenant (2 months’ notice)
For those landlords who have felt the burden of significant arrears, there has been a reduction in the required notice period. Cases where there are four or more months of unpaid rent will see the notice period reduced to 2 months. This will come into effect on the 1st of August 2021.
The government will continue to provide financial support to tenants. Those in receipt of Local Housing Allowance (LHA) will continue to receive the £20 uplift until September. Generally, those struggling will also continue to be supported by the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme which provides help with living costs, including rent. The scheme will continue until the end of September 2021.
Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland
The government’s updates will only effect landlords with properties in England. Landlords in the three other constituent nations of the United Kingdom are governed by separate legislation.
Scottish landlords will still be unable to forcefully evict tenants in areas under level 3 and level 4 restrictions until the 30th of September. Landlords will continue to have to provide 6-months’ notice for evictions, except in cases of serious anti-social or criminal behaviour where notice is 28 days.
In Wales, the 6-month notice period is set to remain in place at least until the end of June. Legislation also prevents ‘attendance at a property for the purpose of executing a writ or warrant of possession’ – bailiff enforced repossessions – until the same date.
Landlords in Northern Ireland are required to give 12 weeks’ notice when evicting a tenant. However, there is no ban on eviction enforcement.
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