Change to Notice Period for Landlords

News at Howard Independent Estate Agents | 28/08/2020

It has been confirmed this afternoon that a 6 months notice period for landlords will be coming into force as of tomorrow, Saturday 29 August 2020.

The Regulations will apply to landlords in England who wish to serve notice to their tenants to gain possession, though there are exceptions (see below).

Today's development effectively extends the Coronavirus Act 2020 through to 31 March 2021.

This legislation will not be applied retrospectively. Section notices served prior to Saturday should retain a three month notice period, however any notices issued from tomorrow onwards, must be served on the basis of a six month notice period.

Where notice is served as a result of rent arrears or misleading information, six months notice is required. However if the arrears exceed six months rental payments, the notice period reduces to four weeks.

A number of other scenarios are addressed:

In cases of domestic abuse or riot, two weeks' notice will be sufficient
Where landlords are seeking possession as a result of antisocial behaviour, four weeks' notice will be sufficient
Where tenants are required to vacate property as a result of failed follow up Right to Rent checks, 12 weeks notice will be required

The new regulations (amendment sec 29) can be found here