Evictions ban extended until 31 March 2021

News at Howard Independent Estate Agents | 15/02/2021

The government has announced that evictions cannot be enforced by bailiffs until at least 31 March 2021, while courts will continue to remain open and procedures are regularly reviewed.

The evictions ban in England has been extended further, meaning evictions cannot be enforced by bailiffs until 31 March 2021 at the earliest, except in the most "egregious cases", including illegal occupation, anti-social behaviour, and arrears of six months' rent or more.

The new extension continues to offer protection to tenants during lockdown, together with the six-month notice period which is also in place until 31 March 2021 at the earliest. In addition, a free mediation pilot was launched by the government this month, "to support landlords and tenants to resolve disputes before a formal court hearing takes place".

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick MP said ‘Our measures strike the right balance between protecting tenants and enabling landlords to exercise their right to justice. By extending the ban on the enforcement of evictions by bailiffs, in all but the most serious cases, we are ensuring renters remain protected during this difficult time."

The situation with Covid-19 is rapidly changing and although these measures are here now, they are not long term and under constant review. Many charities and organisations say another extension is simply not the answer to the eviction crisis.

Research from Shelter showed approximately 445,000 tenants in the private rented sector in England are in arrears or been served with an eviction notice in the last month

Chief executive, Polly Neate said “This short extension to the bailiff ban may keep people safe for now, but it’s not an answer to the evictions crisis. Renters are still being served with eviction notices every day, and our helpline is flooded with calls from those desperately worried about paying their rent”.

“Before the ban is lifted, the government must give renters a real way out of debt. That means a lifeline of emergency grants to help pay off ‘Covid-arrears’ so people can avoid the terrifying risk of eviction altogether.”

The National Residential Landlords Association chief executive, Ben Beadle, commented that the new extension is simply storing up future issues, with 800,000 private renters accumulating arrears since the ban started.

“The government needs to get a grip and do something about the debt crisis renters and landlords are now facing”

Further information and updates can be found on the Government website