Evictions ban extended

The ban on evictions in England, has been extended once again to last until at least the 31st March, as part of the government’s set of measures to assist renters during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Originally the ban was set to end on the 11th January before being extended until the beginning of March, and now until March 31st.

It means that all bailiff evictions have been halted, except a minority of serious cases which fall into categories which are an exception. Housing Minister, Robert Jenrick, said this was to continue the protection of tenants “during this difficult time”.
 

Exceptions to the evictions ban

Exceptions to the ban are listed as follows:

• Where there are rent arrears of over six months (this was originally nine months, when measures were first introduced)
• Situations regarding trespasses
• Cases where a tenant has died
• Unoccupied properties
• Antisocial behaviour

Serving notice

As per emergency Covid-19 legislation, landlords have to give tenants 6 months’ notice. This is in force until March 31st 2021 at least, although, similar to ban on evictions, there are also exceptions to this.

Where serving notice to a tenant involves:

• Antisocial behaviour
• Domestic abuse
• Riot
• Fraud

it will revert back to the original notice periods before the Coronavirus Act 2020 was implemented.

Where the amount of rent owed amounts to less than six months, landlords must still give at least 6 months’ notice. Where it is greater than six months, landlords can give 4 weeks’ notice.