Coronavirus (COVID-19)—MHCLG extends eviction notice period to six months

Article summary

The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) has confirmed comprehensive measures will be taken to support renters affected by coronavirus (COVID-19) this winter. Emergency legislation has increased the notice period for evicting tenants to six months, which will allow renters to stay in their homes over winter and give them adequate time to find alternative accommodation. The new law will be in place until at least the end of March 2021. MHCLG also confirmed that evictions will not be enforced in areas where there are local lockdowns and that there will be a truce on enforcement over Christmas. The only exceptions to the new law are ‘the most egregious cases’ including anti-social behaviour, fraud or domestic abuse. In addition, the government is providing £180m in funding to local authorities to support vulnerable renters with housing costs.