Earlier this year the government passed the Coronavirus Act, which among other things, made it illegal for landlords to evict renters for a specified amount of time.
The original ban on evictions had been due to end on 25th June, but the government has announced a two-month extension to this deadline.
This means that tenants can’t be evicted from private or socially rented accommodation in England and Wales until at least 23rd August 2020.
As previously announced, landlords won’t be able to start proceedings to evict tenants for at least a three-month period which will remain in place until at least September.
If you’re currently struggling to pay your rent, the best thing to do is to speak with your landlord as soon as possible. Explain your situation and attempt to set up a feasible repayment plan.
Even though you can’t be evicted until August, you can still fall into arrears, so it’s important that you’re upfront with your landlord.
The government’s official advice is for landlords and tenants to work together on options such as flexible payment plans which take into account a tenant’s individual circumstances – to ensure cases only end up in court as an absolute last resort.
What has the government said?
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “We have provided an unprecedented package of support for renters during this pandemic. I am announcing that the government’s ban on evictions will be extended for another two months.
“Eviction hearings will not be heard in courts until the end of August and no-one will be evicted from their home this summer due to coronavirus.
“We are also working with the judiciary on proposals to ensure that when evictions proceedings do recommence, arrangements, including rules, are in place to assist the court in giving appropriate protections for those who have been particularly affected by coronavirus – including those tenants who have been shielding.”
You can read the government’s full statement here.
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