The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on landlords and tenants has been significant, and there is likely to be further impact for some time to come. Many tenants have found themselves unable to pay their monthly rent, placing many landlords into a difficult position.

In order to provide some support for tenants in a challenging financial position, the Government placed a ban on tenant evictions, a ban they duly extended in June. However, it appears as though an end is in sight for the ban, which landlords and tenants should be aware of.

The Government extended the eviction ban

On 5^th June 2020, Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said; “We have provided an unprecedented package of support for renters during this pandemic. Today, I am announcing that the government’s ban on evictions will be extended for another 2 months. That takes the moratorium on evictions to a total of 5 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.”

The Housing Secretary continued by saying; “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.”

However, while there was support for this move in many quarters, the letting industry raised concerns.

An end is in sight for the eviction ban

Lord Greenlaugh, a Junior Minister from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, was speaking in the Lords at the end of June. He said; “This is an important step towards ending the lockdown and will protect landlords’ important right to regain their property. Work is underway with the judiciary, legal representatives and the advice sector on arrangements, including new rules, to ensure that judges have all the information necessary to make just decisions and that the most vulnerable tenants can get the help they need when possession cases resume.”

ARLA Propertymark has stated their pleasure in learning that the eviction ban will come to an end in August.

David Cox, ARLA chief executive, says: “We’re very pleased to hear that from 24 August courts will be re-opening and can begin to process the backlog of possession cases. We have previously expressed our concern to the Secretary of State for Justice that there could be as many as 62,000 ‘business as usual’ landlord possession claims to be processed across England and Wales so having clarity on when these can be handled is extremely encouraging for landlords and the sector.”

Ben Beadle is the Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, and he said; “The minister’s comments provide greater certainty for the rental market. We continue to work hard with landlords and tenants to sustain tenancies wherever possible. In the vast majority of cases this is happening. It is vital however that swift action can be taken against those tenants committing anti-social behaviour or domestic violence. We are calling also for priority to be given to cases where possession orders were granted prior to lockdown or where rent arrears have nothing to do with the COVID pandemic.”

As an experienced letting agent serving the Bridgwater community, and many of the surrounding areas, we are here to help. We promise to stay in touch with the latest technology, helping our clients to achieve more, and we aim to support the local community as best we can. If there is anything, we can assist you with; please contact Andrew Lees Lettings today.