Government Confirms That The Suspension Of Housing Possession Proceedings Has Been Extended By A Further Two Months

It was confirmed on Friday that the current suspension of housing eviction proceedings, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, will be extended by two months (until 23^rd August) to provide greater protection to renters across England and Wales.

Confirmed by the Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, the extension of the moratorium on evictions of social or private rented accommodation (plus those with mortgages and licences covered by the Protection from Eviction Act 1977) will ensure that tenants will continue to have security and protection.

The legislation, which originally came into force at the start of the lockdown in March, bans landlords from being able to evict tenants, who are unable to pay their rent as a result of the pandemic, for at least five months (taking into account the new extension announced by the Government on Friday).

Other significant elements of the legislation includes:

• The extension of the mortgage holiday to landlords who have tenants experiencing difficulties paying their rent as a result of the coronavirus.
• An investment of £7 billion to the welfare system and an increase to the Local Housing Allowance.
• Providing £180 million in Discretionary Housing Payments to UK Councils which will support tenants (of social or private rented properties) with their property costs.

As previously outlined, the Government has reiterated that tenants and landlords need to work together and that all avenues need to be explored with regards rent payments to ensure that these cases only end up in the Courts as a final and last resort.

Additionally, landlords should take into consideration a tenants’ circumstances when agreeing a repayment plan.

Other arrangements under consideration

The Government have also commented that Ministers are working with the judiciary, legal representatives and the advice sector on other arrangements. This includes new rules, whereby the English and Welsh Courts will be able to provide appropriate protection to all parties, and that vulnerable renters are provided with the support that they require during the current circumstances.

Following the relaxing of certain lockdown restrictions, including those for the housing market, the Government has said that their ultimate ambition is for a transition out of the current measures in August which will mean that the housing market can operate and that tenants will have the required access to legal justice.

Robert Jenrick commented:

“We have provided an unprecedented package of support for renters during this pandemic. Today, I am announcing that the government’s ban on evictions will be extended for another 2 months. That takes the moratorium on evictions to a total of 5 months.

“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.”