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Extension to the ban on evictions until 23 August 2020

The Coronavirus Act 2020 ('the Act') came into force on 25 March 2020 following a swift passage through Parliament. The Act contains numerous emergency powers to enable public bodies to respond to the Coronavirus pandemic.

Schedule 29 to the Coronavirus Act 2020, named 'Residential Tenancies in England and Wales: Protection from Eviction' originally extended the statutory notice period for evictions for most residential tenancies in the private and social sectors from two months or three months. However, as all aspects of life in the UK continue to be acutely impacted by the Coronavirus, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick announced on 5 June 2020 that the moratorium on new evictions will be extended by a further two months, running from 25 June 2020, which was when the three-month period originally announced was due to end. This further extension means that evictions will be suspended until 23 August 2020 and legal proceedings to evict tenants cannot be continued or instigated until then. Robert Jenrick tweeted on 5 June 2020 that 'no-one will be evicted from their home this summer due to Coronavirus'.

Despite the extension providing more breathing space for many tenants who may be struggling to meet rent payments, the Government is clear that it wants Court proceedings to be a last resort and it wants Landlords to exhaust all other options before looking to evict tenants, such as agreeing flexible payment plans where possible.

We will continue to keep a close eye on the development of this extension and any further announcements from Robert Jenrick.

For more information contact Alice Mckenna in our Housing & Regeneration (litigation) on alice.mckenna@forbessolicitors.co.uk or on 01254 222373. Alternatively send any question through to Forbes Solicitors via our online Contact Form.

For more information contact Sarah Savage in our Housing & Regeneration department via email or phone on 01772 220161. Alternatively send any question through to Forbes Solicitors via our online Contact Form.

Learn more about our Housing & Regeneration department here

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