Landlord possession claims: New update 2 Sep 2020
STOP PRESS * STOP PRESS
The latest announcement from Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick suggests the eviction ban WILL end at last on September 20. However, more concessions have been made with a commitment from the government not to stage evictions over the Christmas period in England, while in parts of the country undergoing local lockdowns there will be no enforcement of evictions by bailiffs.
A statement from Jenrick last evening outlined the new measures and added: “This support [for tenants] builds on the unprecedented package the government has put in place to help communities through the pandemic, including support for businesses to pay staff salaries and strengthening the welfare safety-net with a nearly £9.3 billion boost to the welfare system.
“This includes an extra £1 billion to increase Local Housing Allowance rates so that they cover the lowest 30 per cent of market rents, meaning we now spend £25 billion supporting households to meet the cost of rent in the private and social rented sectors.
“For those renters who require additional support, there is an existing £180 million of government funding for Discretionary Housing Payments made available this year, an increase of £40 million from last year and which is for councils to distribute to support renters with housing costs.”
Regulations outlining how six month notice periods will work in England came into force on Saturday 29th August 2020.
With these new regulations, the governments intentions are to support tenants in need as we enter into colder months with sweeping announcements being made regarding redundancies and job losses, whilst also responding to letting agents and landlords calling for justice, as they still have to respond to rent arrears built up pre-Covid, as well as tenants displaying anti social behaviour.
What does it mean for landlords?
As from the 29th August 2020, landlords or letting agents who need to issue section notices as a result of tenants incurring rent arrears need to allow 6 months before gaining possession.
This reduces to just 4 weeks if the rent arrears exceed 6 months rental payments.
Section notices for reasons other than rent arrears
Domestic Abuse
In cases of domestic abuse or riot, two weeks’ notice is sufficient.
Antisocial Behaviour
For landlords looking to seek possession due to antisocial behaviour, four weeks’ notice is sufficient.
Failed follow up Right to Rent checks
If a tenant fails a follow up Right to Rent check, then 12 weeks notice is required where tenants need to vacate their property as a result.
Read the amendment to the Coronavirus Act 2020 in full
You can read the full amendment on the Government website by clicking the button below, but please don’t hesitate to get in touch if we can be of any help.
