Residential eviction moratorium ended on 31 May 2021

On the 12 May 2021, the Government announced that the moratorium on residential evictions during lockdown was to end on 31 May 2021. 

Courts are continuing to prioritise the most serious cases, such as those involving domestic violence, false statement, severe rents arrears or anti-social behaviour, with many of the evictions waiting to be enforced when the ban lifts predating the pandemic. The backlog of cases waiting to be dealt with will inevitably cause delays with any new non-serious cases to be dealt with in date order.

Notice periods

Notice periods were raised for section 8 and section 21 notices, most recently to six months. However, from 1 June 2021, these will be reduced to four months. It is anticipated that notice periods will return to pre-COVID-19 levels from 1 October 2021, although notice periods relating to rent arrears are likely to change before this date.

Serious cases

Notice periods for the most serious cases, ie domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour, that present the most strain on landlords, will remain shorter.

Rent arrears

From 1 June 2021, landlords can give just 4 weeks' notice if their tenants owes 4 months' rent or more. This is considered a serious case.

Notices

There will be a new Section 21 and Section 8 published which must be used from 1 June 2021 and a reduction in the time frame during which a Section 21 notice can be used.

Landlords should seek advice if they are unsure if they are entitled to serve a notice. If you do not serve a valid notice, the court is likely to refuse to grant a possession order.

For further information call Jill Lawton on 01689887855 or by email jill.lawton@cwj.co.uk.