Ban on evictions and notice periods extended to cushion COVID blow

Renters affected by coronavirus will continue to be protected after the government extended the ban on evictions for another four weeks, meaning in total no legal evictions will have taken place for six months, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick has announced.

The government also intends to give tenants greater protection from eviction over the winter by requiring landlords to provide tenants with six months’ notice in all bar those cases raising other serious issues such as those involving anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse perpetrators, until at least the end of March.

"I know this year has been challenging and all of us are still living with the effects of COVID-19. That is why today I am announcing a further four-week ban on evictions, meaning no renters will have been evicted for six months," said Secretary Jenrick.

"I am also increasing protections for renters – six-month notice periods must be given to tenants, supporting renters over winter."

The government will keep these measures under review with decisions guided by the latest public health advice.

According to the government, when courts do resume eviction hearings they will carefully prioritise the most egregious cases, ensuring landlords are able to progress the most serious cases, such as those involving anti-social behaviour and other crimes, as well as where landlords have not received rent for over a year and would otherwise face unmanageable debts. 

According to independent research, 87 per cent of tenants have continued to pay full rent since the start of the pandemic, with a further 8 per cent agreeing reduced fees with their landlords.