The government has recently extended its temporary freeze on evicting tenants by another month, to 20 September 2020, in a bid to give tenants a bit of relief from the looming threat of eviction. The ban was supposed to end on Sunday 23 August 2020 and I anticipate that a number of landlords were looking to start taking those further next steps to gain possession.

It is at this point unknown whether the government will further extend the suspension next month. It is safe to say that landlords and tenants alike will be looking out for the government’s next report.

The government also intends to give tenants greater protection from eviction by requiring landlords to provide tenants with 6 months’ notice in all but those cases raising other serious issues such as anti-social behaviour, until at least the end of March 2021. At the moment, landlords are required to give at least 3 months’ notice of eviction, a reform implemented by the government since the pandemic started. It is clear that the government is wrestling with looking after the interests of tenants who may be at the brink of eviction and those of landlords’ who want to preserve their investments. It is a tough time for all.

It is illegal for a landlord to evict a tenant without an order from the court. There are strict procedures that must be followed correctly at every step.

If you are in need of some advice and assistance from our Litigation team on any aspects touched upon in this article, get in touch now on 0800 389 7093 or contact us through our online form. Our lawyers are keeping abreast of the latest news on possession claims and will be there to guide you through the process.