Further changes to Notice Periods and Evictions
Today Robert Jenrick, Housing Secretary made a further announcement that the six-month notice periods and bailiff enforced eviction bans will be extended to 31 May 2021 to protect residential and social tenants as the country moves through the roadmap. The Housing Secretary announced that the Government has - "taken unprecedented action to support both commercial and residential tenants throughout the pandemic – with a £280 billion economic package to keep businesses running and people in jobs and able to meet their outgoings, such as rent. These measures build on the government’s action to provide financial support as restrictions are lifted over the coming months – extending the furlough scheme, business rates holiday and the Universal Credit uplift."
Announcement from Robert Jenrick regarding Support for Renters and the Homeless
Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick has today announced extra support to house rough sleepers across all councils in England.
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Ban on bailiff enforced evictions extended
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Confirmation of court support for landlords and renters and launch of mediation pilot
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Backed by an additional £10 million in funding, all councils in England are being asked to redouble their efforts to help accommodate all those currently sleeping rough and ensure they are swiftly registered with a GP, where they are not already.
This will ensure they can be protected from the virus and contacted to receive vaccinations in line with the priority groups outlined by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.
Councils will also be asked to reach out again to those who have previously refused help, given rising infection rates and the colder winter months.
Renters will continue to be supported during the new national restrictions, with an extension to the ban on bailiff evictions for all but the most egregious cases for at least 6 weeks – until at least 21 February – with measures kept under review.
Anticipating the next stage of the Possession Claims has been Difficult
Last week, on the Friday 17th July as a result of the Coronavirus Act 2020, it was announced that the Civil Procedure Rules relating to possession claims would be changed, however, it was only this week that those changes were announced.
The Impact of CoronavirusAfter 5 months of housing possession being suspended, the courts will re-open to hear possession claims on the 23rd August 2020, and as a result, the New Practice Direction (PD) will apply for an “interim period” from 23 August 2020 until 28 March 2021. For private landlords must now attend any court hearing with two copies of a notice which sets out exactly what they know about the effect of the coronavirus on the tenant. This notice must be sent to the tenant before the hearing. This protocol also applies to Accelerated Possession Proceedings, which means that a similar notice MUST be included. PLEASE NOTE THE N5B WILL NOT BE AMENDED TO DEAL WITH THIS CHANGE NOR WILL CLAIMANTS BE REMINDED.
Existing ClaimsThe PD 55C will separate claims into TWO groups :-
Group 1 - Claims that were issued before 3 August 2020
Group 2 - Claims issued on or after 3 August 2020.