What's the latest on evictions

During the past few months the government legislation for landlords and tenants regarding eviction and posession has altered. 

As of 29^th August, the notice period for a landlord wishing to evict a tenant in England has been extended to six months. This means landlords must now give tenants six months’ notice before they can evict until March 2021, except in the most serious of cases, such as incidents of anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse perpetrators.

Given this extension, the period of validity for a Section 21 has been extended from six to ten months. (If you served a Section 21 with a three-month notice on or before 28^th August, that three-month notice period still stands.)

This emergency legislation has been introduced to ensure that vulnerable tenants are not evicted and forced to find a new home at a time when local authorities are already dealing with increased demand for housing services. The government is also issuing specific guidance to bailiffs that they should not enforce possession orders over the Christmas period.

If you are concerned about this latest legislative move, please be reassured by the fact that evictions are still very rare, particularly if your property is professionally let and managed. The government is also keen to assure landlords that they will still be able to evict at short notice in the most serious circumstances, such as in cases involving anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse. And in situations where a tenant is in ‘serious’ arrears, owing more than six months’ rent, they can now be evicted with a minimum of four weeks’ notice.

If you would like any information, advice or support regarding evicting a tenant, please do contact your property management team and to speak to an experienced member of our team. 

The information contained within was correct at the time of publication but is subject to change.