New protections announced for renters amid coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown

New protections announced for renters amid coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown

Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, has announced new protections for renters during the coronavirus (COVID-19) lockdown, with no bailiff enforcement action. The measures took effect on 5 November 2020 and include a pause on evictions until 11 January 2021 at the earliest with exceptions in egregious cases. The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has updated its guidance for landlords and tenants concerning coronavirus and renting to reflect the new national restrictions and measures.

Lord Chancellor, Robert Buckland, has written to the High Court Enforcement Officers Association confirming the new measures. The Association has been informed it is able to attend residential addresses under Writs of Control but cannot enter the premises or carry out evictions, unless in the limited circumstances.

The exception for egregious cases includes tenants demonstrating anti-social behaviour or carrying our domestic abuse in social housing, where the landlord would like to re-let their property to an alternate tenant. The protections also do not apply in circumstances of illegal occupation or fraud.

The measures are an addition to the previous announcement of six-month notice periods for renters, until at least the end of March 2021. There is also an existing £180m of government funding for discretionary housing payments for councils to distribute to support renters. Courts will remain open during the new lockdown, ensuring protections can be enforced.

The updated guidance can be viewed here.

Source: New protections for renters over duration of national restrictions

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