The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a great deal of disruption to everyday life, and the housing sector is no exception. In response to the public health crisis, the UK government has announced a suspension of evictions for renters in England and Wales until at least 23rd August 2020. This suspension was announced following concerns about the safety of bailiffs, who are responsible for enforcing evictions.
The suspension applies to all residential and commercial evictions, including those for rent arrears, anti-social behaviour and possession orders. It also applies to any new eviction notices that are issued during this period. The government has also announced that it will provide additional funding to local authorities to help them provide support to tenants facing eviction.
The decision to suspend evictions has been welcomed by housing charities and other organisations, who have long argued that evictions should be suspended during the pandemic. They have argued that evictions can cause further disruption and hardship for those affected, as well as putting them at risk of homelessness.
The announcement of the suspension of evictions has been accompanied by a set of guidance for landlords and tenants. This includes advice on how to manage rent arrears, and how to resolve disputes without resorting to eviction. The guidance also includes advice on how to protect the safety of bailiffs when they are carrying out their duties.
The suspension of evictions is a welcome step towards protecting tenants during the pandemic. However, it is important that landlords and tenants continue to work together to ensure that any disputes are resolved in a fair and reasonable manner. It is also important that landlords and tenants continue to follow the government’s guidance on managing rent arrears and resolving disputes without resorting to eviction.