The current ban on bailiff-enforced evictions, introduced as an emergency measure during lockdown, will end on 31 May. As part of a phased approach through Step 3–4 of the Roadmap, notice periods are being reduced apart from the most serious cases which remain lower still:
- anti-social behaviour (immediate to 4 weeks’ notice)
- domestic abuse in the social sector (2–4 weeks’ notice)
- false statement (2–4 weeks’ notice)
- over four months’ accumulated rent arrears (4 weeks’ notice)
- breach of immigration rules ‘Right to Rent (2 weeks’ notice)
- death of a tenant (2 months’ notice)
Notice periods for cases where there is less than four months' unpaid rent, will reduce to two months’ notice from 1 August 2021. This is to support both landlords and tenants and responds to the greater difference between COVID and pre-COVID notice periods for rent arrears. The measures will also ensure renters continue to be protected with longer notice periods for the coming months while allowing landlords to access justice.
Subject to the public health advice and progress with the Roadmap, notice periods will return to pre-pandemic levels from 1 October 2021.
Whilst the reduced notice periods are still longer than pre-COVID, it is pleasing to see the UK Government continuing to provide financial support to tenants, combatting rent arrears as well as providing clarity for the rental sector as we navigate the easing of restrictions.
Financial support for renters
Renters will continue to be supported with living costs, including rent, through the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme until 30 September 2021. Extensive financial support remains in place to help people meet their outgoings, including the furlough scheme and the Universal Credit uplift, which have both been extended until the end of September.
White Paper announcement
The Queen’s speech on 11 May announced that a White Paper will be published in the Autumn, setting out proposals to create a fairer private rented sector that works for both landlords and tenants.
The Queen's Speech 2021: four key issues for property agents
The UK Government announced their plans for the next parliamentary session in the Queen’s Speech today. The plans include several significant changes to planning rules, a new Building Safety Regulator, ground rents and the next steps for Renters Reform.
