Emergency eviction measures to be relaxed from 1st June

Emergency restrictions put in place by the government to protect tenants during lockdown, now have a roadmap to be lifted in line with the gradual easing of other pandemic restrictions, although we likely won’t be seeing pre-pandemic notice periods returning until October 2021.
 

Evictions

From the 1^st June, bailiff evictions can restart – and repossession restrictions will see other changes from this date.

Notice periods in England which were raised to 6 months during the pandemic, will be reduced to at least 4 months, however, notice periods in place for serious situations will stay lower.

• Anti-social behaviour (immediate – 4 weeks’ notice)
• Domestic abuse (2 – 4 weeks’ notice)
• False statement (2 – 4 weeks’ notice)
• Rent arrears of over 4 months (4 weeks’ notice)
• Breach of ‘Right to Rent’ immigration rules (2 weeks’ notice)
• Death of a tenant (2 months’ notice)

From 1^st August, in cases where rent arrears have accumulated to 4 months or more, notice will reduce to 2 months’ notice.
 

Financial support for tenants

Despite the easing of these emergency measures, Housing Minister Chris Pincher made it clear that the government aren’t giving up on tenants, with current financial support measures still remaining in place.

“Crucial financial support also remains in place, including the furlough scheme and uplift to Universal Credit.”

Mark Hayward, Chief Policy Advisor at Propertymark says:

“Whilst the reduced notice periods are still longer than pre-COVID, it is pleasing to see the UK government continuing to provide financial support to tenants combatting rent arrears as well as providing clarity for the rental sector as we navigate the easing of restrictions.”