Eviction Ban extended

During our first lockdown in March 2020, the Government legislated against any eviction orders being granted in the courts for any reason. The expectation was that tenants with rent arrears would be served their notices when the courts opened back up in September 2020. Although this began to happen, we have seen a further two bans announced for each consecutive lockdown which includes the Christmas reprieve.

The current ban on evictions was due to end on Monday however on Friday 8th Jan we heard this once again has been extended until at least 21st February 2021. Courts are still able to process eviction paperwork but not hear any cases or issue orders until after this date at the earliest.

Bailiffs can still enter the property if the tenants

• Are living there illegally,
• Have been involved in antisocial behaviour,
• Gave false information to get the tenancy (known as a ‘false statement’),
• Owed 9 or more months’ rent before 23 March 2020

The requirement to serve notice on a tenant has been extended from three months to six months. Citizens Advice estimates half a million tenants are currently in arrears due to not receiving the income they were pre-lockdown.

Lenders are still lending in the Buy to let space and are confident of a continuing buoyant market.

For advice or help please get in touch.