New Extension on Eviction Ban in the UK
Tenants all around the UK can be safe with the knowledge that the government announced an extension to the eviction ban. More precisely the new ban will last six weeks, until 21st February 2021. The aim is to give tenants more time to get their affairs in order.
However, there are a few exceptions to the eviction ban. For instance, the landlord can evict a tenant for anti-social behavior, fraud, rent arrests of more than six months, domestic abuse, and illegal occupation.
Robert Jenrick, the community’s secretary, stated that the measures would be under review in the coming month. Furthermore, the landlords will be required to give a six-months’ notice to tenets. This extended notice period will be a requirement until the 31st of March.
The Backstory
The government in England introduced a ban on tenant eviction and court eviction proceedings in March last year. The first ban came to an end in September 2020. However, a new phase of eviction bans came into law between 11th December and 11th January.
The fact is that evictions came down 86% between July and September in 2020, compared to the same period in 2019.
The New Agreement
There are some differences between the eviction ban rules specific to countries in the UK.
In England, most of the rules mentioned above are applicable. The landlords cannot evict the tenants until 21st February, and they have to give a six-month eviction notice.
In Wales, the eviction ban lasts longer than in England. It will last until the end of March. Also, evictions can go ahead only in cases of anti-social behavior and domestic violence.
In Scotland, the new ban on eviction has no effect, because Nicola Sturgeon’s government passed a law that made the coronavirus eviction ban last until 31st March. In essence, there was no need for an extension is Scotland since they passed a law that covers the period already.
What Else do I Need to Know as a Tenant?
Because of the measures introduced, it is illegal for your landlord to evict you without notice or court order.
The landlord can evict you by giving you a section 8 or 21 notice. For section 21, they do not need to state any reason for eviction. However, they need to provide you with an eviction period (and a notice), and at the moment that is six months. Also, have in mind you cannot get a section 21 notice for the first four months of your contract.
On the other hand, if you do not leave the property at the end of the eviction period, the landlord has to go to court to get the right to evict you legally. They do not have the right to harass you or throw you out until they acquire the legal documents.
If you predict you will struggle to pay your rent, the best option is to talk to your landlord before you miss the payment. Agree before it is too late and you have to battle the details out in court.
Maybe your landlord will understand the situation, and you can make arrangements for late payments. You can also agree on a reduced price for a period, and then you can repay them after your finances stabilise.
Whatever the end solution, attempt to prevent getting into conflict with your landlord. Such an outcome will only cause you problems, and the result will bring you additional costs.
