Longer notice periods for renters in place until October

Housing Minister Christopher Pincher has confirmed that renters will continue to be supported as national restrictions ease, with longer notice periods in place until at least October.

Thanks to the success of the vaccine programme and the public efforts to suppress the virus, the nation is now progressing cautiously through the Roadmap, and emergency measures for renters introduced during the pandemic will be brought in line with this.

Pincher said that notice periods – previously extended to six months as an emergency measure during the pandemic - will be set at four months from 1 June. This will offer tenants continued protection throughout Step 3 and into Step 4, which will begin from 21 June at the earliest.

The current ban on bailiff-enforced evictions, introduced as an emergency measure during lockdown, will end on 31 May. Bailiffs have been asked not to carry out an eviction if anyone living in the property has coronavirus symptoms or is self-isolating.

Pincher said: “From the beginning of the pandemic, we have taken unprecedented action to protect renters and help keep them in their homes. As Covid restrictions are eased in line with the Roadmap out of lockdown, we will ensure tenants continue to be supported with longer notice periods, while also balancing the need for landlords to access justice. Crucial financial support also remains in place including the furlough scheme and uplift to Universal Credit.”