The Government has extended the ban on evictions in the private and social rented sector for a further two months.
The new rules – which aim to protect tenants throughout the coronavirus pandemic – will prevent courts from ruling in eviction cases until at least 23 August 2020.
Under the temporary laws, landlords will not be able to start legal proceedings to evict tenants experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic. The Government has also extended mortgage holidays to help landlords who may be experiencing a loss of income whose tenants are experiencing financial difficulties.
As part of this announcement, the Government has also confirmed that it is working with judges and legal representatives to better address the need for appropriate protection for tenants, especially those unable work due to shielding measures.
“This is to ensure that judges have all the information necessary to make just decisions and that the most vulnerable tenants can get the help they need,” the report adds.
Commenting on the extension, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “Eviction hearings will not be heard in courts until the end of August and no-one will be evicted from their home this summer due to coronavirus.
“We are also working with the judiciary on proposals to ensure that when evictions proceedings do recommence, arrangements, including rules, are in place to assist the court in giving appropriate protections for those who have been particularly affected by coronavirus – including those tenants who have been shielding.”
The extension takes the moratorium on evictions to a total of five months.
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