The covid-19 ban on bailiff-forced evictions, which had been imposed in an emergency due to lockdown, came to an end on May 31. After a cash flow constraint year for property-owners in England, at last there is some good news.

As an ease can be seen in pandemic restrictions, the government has announced the notice periods will be eased.

From 1st June the notice period will be reduced from currently six months to four months. From 1st of August the government has announced, notice periods for cases with four months or less unpaid rent will reduce to two months’ notice. It is predicted from 1st October 2021 the notice period will return to pre-pandemic levels.

The notice period for most severe cases is as follow:-

• In the social sector, there is a 2-4 week notice period for domestic abuse.
• Anti-social behavior: immediate to 4 weeks’ notice.
• If you owe more than four months in arrears, you must give four weeks’ notice.
• False statement: 2-4 weeks’ notice
•  Breach of immigration regulations requires a 2 week notice period.
• Death of tenant: 2 months’ notice.

Through this change the government is supporting both property-owners and tenants  and responds to the significant difference between COVID and pre COVID notice periods for tenant rent arrears.

Through amendments property owners once again have the authority to force out renters who do not pay rent or accumulate large rent arrears.

During the pandemic, many property-owners complained that they suffered a serious amount overdue from tenants and that the government has not offered them any relief or help.

The court will prioritize the most serious cases, such as those involving fraud or anti-social behavior, with many evictions being postponed until after the pandemic has passed.

A 14 day notice is mandatory before a removal can take place, so no evictions are expected to take place before mid-June except for the most serious circumstances. On serious not Bailiffs have been asked not to carry evictions if anyone living in the property has Covid-19 symptoms or self-isolating

Government help is some great news for both property-owners and tenants to avoid evictions and the ability to pay off rent debts that have built up since last March.

Business owners in the leisure and hospitality industry are now being affected by the delay of ‘Freedom Day’ until 19th July, it is also unknown if the government will provide help in this delay.

The government has announced that it will review landlord and tenant legislation in the commercial property sector later this year to consider a wide range of issues, including Part II of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 (security of tenure), various rent payment models, and an assessment of the impact of the coronavirus on the market.

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