The ban on Landlords evicting tenants due to corona: everything you need to know

It’s uncertain times but that doesn’t mean that the announcements have to be. Here we break down the key points and any questions you may have about yesterday’s announcement on the Government COVID-19 emergency policies for tenants.

Last update 17 Nov

All section 21 eviction notices from 29 August onwards must give at least 6 months' notice.

Between 17 November and 11 January there should be no evictions by bailiffs except in very limited circumstances including if you owe more than 9 months in rent.

Read full government announcement on "Measures to protect renters affected by coronavirus" here.

In short

In response to the job uncertainty caused by corona, the government has created a delay for landlords issuing tenants eviction notices.

Key Points

• This ban is for at least a three-month period
• If a renter has lost income as a result of coronavirus, they will not be forced out of their home
• Landlords will also be protected by extending their mortgage payment holidays and will “not face unmanageable debts.”

If you can’t pay rent

This doesn’t mean the three months are rent free. You will be accountable to your rental payments, the rent will ‘pause’ during the three months to be paid at a later date. You will not be able to be evicted if your reason for delayed payment is due to the effects of corona.

How will you repay the ‘holiday’ rent

This will be up to the landlord and tenant to “establish an affordable repayment plan, taking into account tenants’ individual circumstances.” The government will “support the necessary engagement” but at this stage it is unclear to what detail.

Does this include properties let by rental agencies?

Yes, this is for all renters in private or social accommodation.

When will the protection start and end?

It will begin from 26 March 2020 and the extended buffer period will apply in law until 30 September 2020 and both the end point, and the three month notice period can be extended if needed.

Who is protected?

This protection covers most tenants in the private and social rented sectors in England and Wales, and all grounds of evictions.

What if you had been issued a Section 21 notice previous to this announcement?

Existing claims and notices served before the law came into effect can still lead to possession proceedings.”

Housing charities like Shelter have outlined that you should stay in your house and your landlord should not be able to evict you during this time. Contact Shelter to know more about your rights.

How have major groups reacted?

Housing charity, Shelter have welcomed the response saying that “it will come as a great relief to many people. Without this decisive action tens of thousands of renters would have faced eviction in the coming months, while potentially trying to isolate and protect themselves and others”.

Renter rights campaigners, Generation Rent have also welcomed the announcement, and called on the government to prevent renters getting into debt with renter relief.

National Residential Landlords Association have said that they welcome the support and will “work collaboratively with the government to ensure these measures protect both landlords and tenants”.

What are the next steps?

The government will take the emergency legislation proceedings forward urgently. More details will follow as this legislation is drafted in full.

How can I learn more?

Fronted will keep you updated on Twitter or if you have any questions, comment below and the our team will look into it.