Eviction

Tenant evictions to be reestablished in August after five-month ban

The government’s tenant eviction ban comes to an end next month. Here’s why it’s welcome news to many in the industry.

Since March, court proceedings to evict tenants in England have been on hold. The government put a stop to landlords starting or continuing eviction proceedings in order to give tenants stability and security during lockdown. As a result, landlords who issued eviction notices prior to March have also had to put proceedings on hold.

While the eviction ban was initially for a period of three months, the government later extended it by two more months. At the same time, some landlords have also taken advantage of mortgage payment holiday options. For those whose tenants have been unable to pay rent, this has been an essential lifeline.

However, from 24th August, landlords will once again be able to carry out processes to remove tenants. This means courts will begin to hear repossession cases once again for landlords. There is likely to be a large backlog of cases from pre-lockdown, as well as a number of new ones.

Protection for tenants and landlords

The news is largely extremely welcome across the industry, as it offers more certainty for the rental market. For landlords struggling with tenants in arrears before COVID-19, or those with antisocial behaviour or domestic violence issues, they can now begin to take action to reclaim their properties.

However, vulnerable tenants will still get the protection they need from the sector. Those in rent arrears because of COVID-19 will also still be able to access more options. Many landlords have already lowered rents or offered payment breaks to help their tenants.

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA, said: “We continue to work hard with landlords and tenants to sustain tenancies wherever possible. In the vast majority of cases this is happening.

“It is vital however that swift action can be taken against those tenants committing anti-social behaviour or domestic violence. We are calling also for priority to be given to cases where possession orders were granted prior to lockdown or where rent arrears have nothing to do with the COVID pandemic.”

Domestic violence cases have been a major issue in the PRS. An estimated 38% of all victims rent privately, and Refuge has reported a 66% rise in calls since the pandemic. In many cases, landlords would have been able to end the tenancy agreement and offer a new one to the victim. However, with the eviction ban in place, they haven’t been able to take action.

Likewise, in cases of antisocial behaviour, including in shared tenancy houses, issues have been unable to be resolved through eviction. From August, landlords can once again protect their properties and other tenants through eviction.

How to deal with COVID-19 rent arrears

Landlords whose tenants were already in serious arrears will now be able to begin or resume eviction proceedings. However, where tenants have been impacted directly by coronavirus, such as through redundancy, new guidance is available.

The guide has been produced by the NRLA, the Chartered Institute of Housing, The Property Redress Scheme, My Deposits, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and ARLA Propertymark. It aims to provide support to both landlords and tenants in difficulty. As well as practical ideas for managing debts, there is advice for tenants applying for benefits.

In a joint statement, the groups said: “Covid-19 has posed significant challenges for both tenants and landlords.

“As a group we are committed to doing everything possible to sustain tenancies both through and beyond this period of crisis.”

“The guidance…has an important role to play in achieving this and we encourage all tenants and landlords to work through it together in a spirit of positive co-operation.”

Self-certified Sophisticated Investor

Please read

I declare that I am a self-certified sophisticated investor for the purposes of the restriction on promotion of non-mainstream pooled investments. I understand that this means:

I am a self-certified sophisticated investor because at least one of the following applies:

I accept that the investments to which the promotions will relate may expose me to a significant risk of losing all of the money or other property invested. I am aware that it is open to me seek advice from someone who specialises in advising on non-mainstream pooled investments.

High Net Worth Investor

Please read

I make this statement so that I can receive promotional communications which are exempt from the restriction on promotion of non-mainstream pooled investments. The exemption relates to certified high net worth investors and I declare that I qualify as such because at least one of the following applies to me:

STAY AHEAD OF THE MARKET

Sign up for first access to new developments and exclusive property investment opportunities.

We send limited and targeted emails on new launches and exclusive deals which best fit your areas. We are trusted by over 30,000 active buyers as their source for new stock.

  • New property developments
  • Professional market reports
  • Property deal alerts
  • Development updates
Manchester property investment

FIRST FOR NEWS AND KNOWLEDGE.

Receive trending news straight to your inbox and stay up to date on all of the property market trends and advice.

Established since 2005 we are a leading voice of authority and commentary on the UK property market. Our news is trusted by Apple News & Google News.

  • UK housing market
  • Mortgage & money
  • Buy-to-let landlords
  • Guides & advice

Talk to us

Speak to our UK property experts today:

 

+44 (0) 333 123 0320

Open from 9am-6pm GMT

 

+852 6699 9008

Open from 9am-6pm HKT