Published: 01/06/2021
Today sees changes to the Covid restrictions on bailiff-enforced evictions and notice periods for residential tenants.
With lockdown restrictions easing, the ban on bailiff-enforced evictions has been lifted from today. However 14 days‘ notice is still required before an eviction can take place. Bailiffs have been asked not to evict anyone who is self-isolating or has Covid symptoms.
The 6 month notice period to end residential tenancies introduced last summer has today been reduced to 4 months, except in certain circumstances, such as anti-social behaviour when it will be shorter. This should help those landlords who have been unable to sell due to their property being tenanted as well as those having to contend with rent arrears and breaches of tenancy.
Subject to public health advice and progress with the government’s roadmap, notice periods are expected to revert to pre-pandemic levels (i.e. 2 months) from 1 October 2021.