Due to the outbreak of Covid-19, the Coronavirus Act 2020, provided tenants, in the rented sector, with protection from eviction, to pevent a homelessness crisis. Tenants received an extension to the notice periods, when a landlord tried to recover possession of their property. The Government also prevented evictions from being enforced by bailiffs. However,the ban on eviction enforcement in England came to an end on 31 May 2021. This article explores the ban being lifted and the impact of the ban being lifted.
Lifting of Eviction Ban
In England, bailiffs will be able to enforce evictions from 1 June 2021. However, if someone in the property, has Covid-19 symptoms, or is self-isolating, bailiffs will not be able to enforce evictions. Landlords will only need to give four months’ notice of eviction, as opposed to six months’ notice, that was required since the start of the pandemic. Subject to the Government’s roadmap, it is likely that from 1 October 2021, two months’ notice periods will return. Notice periods for serious cases will remain lower: domestic abuse (2 to 4 weeks’ notice), anti-social behaviour (immediate to 4 weeks’ notice), death of a tenant (2 months’ notice), false statement (2 to 4 weeks’ notice), 4 months’ or more accumulated rent arrears (4 weeks’ notice), breach of immigration rules (2 weeks’ notice). From 1 August, where there is less than 4 months’ unpaid rent, notice periods should reduce to 2 months’ notice.
Impact of the Ban being Lifted
Many councils are warning that the ban being lifted will result in a wave of homelessness, costing a potential £2.2 billion. A study by Shelter, found that 72% of private renters in England, are worried about losing their home, and are already cutting back on heating and food to pay rent. However, tenants still have access to the furlough scheme, and a £20.00 per week uplift in Universal Credit, which the Government has extended until 30 September 2021. Also, evictions will not be enforced if someone in the property has Covid-19 symptoms or is self-isolating. This caveat could prompt a tenant to feign Covid symptoms to prevent enforcement action from a bailiff, and stay in the property. Whilst the ban has been lifted, the ban has not been lifted completely.
Conclusion
The true impact of the ban being lifted is yet to be seen. It is clear that the narrative has been very tenant-centric but more consideration needs to be given to landlords. The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government stated that 45% of private landlords own one property, and are extremely vulnerable to rent arrears. Landlords have outgoings, such as mortgages and bills. There needs to be a consideration of the need for landlords to access justice, and their financial plight, as a result of the Covid pandemic. Specialist legal advice from MLS will be needed by landlords, who seek to evict their tenants, as the eviction ban has not been lifted absolutely.
This article does not constitute legal advice. The law relating to landlord and tenant matters changes rapidly. Please ring us for an up to date legal advice on 01244 478 730
Photo by Toa Heftiba on Unsplash
