UPDATE: On the 14th February, just a week before the revised deadline mentioned in the blog below, Robert Jenrick MP announced a further extension to the evictions ban – until 31st March 2021. All other details in the below post remain accurate at time of writing.
The government has announced a further extension to the ban on bailiff-enforced evictions for private renters in England. The previous restrictions were due to end on Monday the 11th of January, following a month-long ban over the Christmas period. The new extension will be until the 21st of February 2021 and reviewed regularly, meaning that there could yet be another extension.
There are exemptions to the regulations, which include:
- Illegal occupation
- Anti-social behaviour
- Where a property is unoccupied following the death of a tenant
- Extreme rent arrears (equivalent to nine months’ rent, excluding any arrears accrued since the 23rd of March)
Claims for possession can still progress through the courts, however a large backlog of claims built up during the Covid-enforced court closure last year. This means that landlords making new possessions claims may face a lengthy wait for their claim to be heard. However, eviction notices will not be enacted by bailiffs until after the evictions ban has been lifted on the 21st of February at the earliest.
Confused?
Even without all of the temporary legislation that has been introduced over the last year, the private rental market is becoming more regulated than ever before. A previous blog revealed that landlords are now required to comply with 156 different laws over the course of a tenancy; it has never been more important for your tenancy to be managed by a knowledgeable, professional and regulated agency.
For guidance on all aspects of tenancy management, or if you are considering letting your property in Bath, contact us on 01225 445777 or info@residebath.co.uk.
Toby holds a Level 3 ARLA Propertymark qualification and runs the 'engine room' at Reside, making sure that properties are perfectly-presented and that they are let quickly at a good rent. When not working, Toby is happiest when enjoying a day's cricket.
