The government has announced a "truce" on enforcement action for tenants facing eviction in England and Wales this Christmas.
No evictions will be permitted in England and Wales in the run up to (and over) Christmas except in the most serious circumstances, such as those involving anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse.
The dates of the “Christmas truce” are confirmed as being between December 11 – January 11 by the Minister of State for Housing this week.
6 Month Eviction Ban
The Government has already increased notice periods to 6 months, meaning renters served notice can now stay in their homes over winter, with time to find alternative support or accommodation.
Legislation relating to the new temporary notice period in England was introduced on Saturday 29 August, and will remain in place until at least 31 March 2021, except in the most serious of cases, such as incidents of anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse.
The package of support for renters includes the extension of notice periods and the extension to the stay on possession proceedings.
But there will be help for landlords affected by the worst cases to seek possession; these are:
· anti-social behaviour (now 4 weeks’ notice)
· domestic abuse (now 2 to 4 weeks’ notice)
· false statement (now 2 to 4 weeks’ notice)
· over 6 months’ accumulated rent arrears (now 4 weeks’ notice)
· breach of immigration rules ‘Right to Rent’ (now 3 months’ notice)
Legislation also outlines that evictions will not be enforced in areas subject to local lockdowns as the pandemic continues – except, like with the “winter truce” and 6 month eviction ban, there are incidents of anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse.
Housing Secretary, Robert Junrick commented – “We have protected renters during the pandemic by banning evictions for 6 months – the longest eviction ban in the UK”.
He described this as “an unprecedented measure to help keep people in their homes over the winter months.” The housing secretary added that “It’s right that we strike a balance between protecting vulnerable renters and ensuring landlords whose tenants have behaved in illegal or anti-social ways have access to justice. Our legislation means such cases will be subject to shorter notice periods and then prioritised through the judiciary’s new court processes.
The vast majority of landlords have shown understanding and leadership, taking action to support tenants despite facing hardship themselves. According to independent research, 87% of tenants have continued to pay full rent since the start of the pandemic, with a further 8% agreeing reduced fees with their landlords.
Possession hearings
From September 21st, courts will begin possession hearings again, prioritising cases involving anti-social behaviour and other crimes as well as rent arrears, the department said.
No cases from before 3 August will immediately proceed to a hearing but will have to be reactivated by the landlord and subject to a review hearing, it added. Landlords will also have to provide the courts and judges with information about how tenants have been affected by the pandemic.
Proceedings can be adjourned until the information is provided.
The MHCLG added: "No landlord, including those who only rent out a single property, has had access to the courts since March, including to regain possession in cases where the tenant has broken the law.
"So it is right that landlords are able to access justice, alongside measures to protect the vulnerable. The government would like to thank landlords for their forbearance during this difficult time."
Belvoir make temporary changes
We've made changes to the way we do things to ensure that we're being as safe as possible, including how we handle rent arrears, inspections, viewings and non urgent maintenance works
