The government has confirmed plans to ban rental property evictions.
From the 31st of May, bailiffs will no be able to enforce evictions. The new law was passed amid the pandemic, where bailiffs were unable to evict anyone with Covid symptoms or those self-isolating.
“As Covid restrictions are eased in line with the roadmap out of lockdown, we will ensure tenants continue to be supported with longer notice periods, while also balancing the need for landlords to access justice,” said Housing Minister Christopher Pincher.
Ben Beadle, who is the chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “Having operated under emergency conditions for over a year, today’s announcement from the government is an important step in ensuring the sector’s recovery.”
“We want to see tenancies sustained wherever possible and call on the chancellor to step in and provide affected tenants with the financial support they need to pay off rent arrears built as a result of the pandemic,” he added.
The Ministry of Housing has said that it will continue to support people financially through the furlough scheme and the Universal Credit uplift, which are continuing until September.
David Renard is the Local Government Association housing spokesman. He said the ban on rental property evictions cannot continue forever and will end at some point.
“However, councils remain concerned over the potential rise in homelessness households may face, and the pressure this will add to already over-stretched homelessness services.
“It is vital there is a plan in place to support and protect households to stay in their homes, in as many cases as possible,” he said.
