The ban on evictions in England, Wales, and Scotland has been extended until at least the 8th March 2021 in England, and the 31st March in Scotland and Wales as part of the government’s package to help renters during the Covid-19 crisis.

The original ban on evictions was due to end on the 11th January, but was unsurprisingly extended until March due to ongoing issues caused by the pandemic.

Exceptions to the ban:

• Where there are rent arrears of over six months (prior to the announcement, this was nine months)
• Situations regarding trespasses
• Cases where a tenant has died
• Unoccupied properties
• Antisocial behaviour

Setting a bailiff eviction in motion isn’t the easiest of processes at the best of times, and even with the ban set to end in March, the courts are still facing a back log of the most serious cases which the judiciary are giving priority.

These cases include those which involve claims issued before 26^th March 2020 when the ban was introduced, domestic abuse, antisocial behaviour, extreme rent arrears, illegal occupation, fraud or deception, or historic cases of tenants not having paid rent for a year or more.

Due to Covid-19 legislation, landlords are required to give tenants 6 months’ notice and this is in place until at least 31^st March 2021 although there are also exceptions to this. Cases which involve:

• Antisocial behaviour
• Domestic abuse
• Riot
• Fraud

will revert back to their 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.

We understand that it’s a hard time for everyone at the moment, landlords and tenants alike, so if we can be of any help please get in touch with us on 0208 7496060.