Government extends evictions ban until 31st May.

- Fri 12 Mar 2021

It has been announced this week that the Government has extended the bailiff eviction once more, this time until May 31st 2021, in a move that will be welcomed by those struggling to pay rent or who have been let down on accommodation they were set to move into. This is a two month extension to the existing arrangements that were due to expire on March 31st 2021.

In recent weeks ministers have been under great pressure to give renters more protection from being evicted despite the announcement of the proposed easing of the lockdown restrictions at the end of February. Housing secretary Robert Jenrick explained that despite this roadmap tenants still need time to get back on track and pay back their rent arrears until they are in a financially stable position again.

"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," says Jenrick.

On top of the extension to the bailiff ban, landlords and letting agents will also have to give 6 months notice when intending to evict tenants. This means that tenants that are given notice in May will have until November before they have to move out of the property.

The Local Government Association welcomed the move saying it would avoid causing major disruption for households in "very challenging times" and would help reduce pressure on council homelessness services.

Government extends evictions ban until 31st May.

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