Government extends eviction ban in England and Wales

The ban on evictions in England and Wales, originally introduced in March, will now be extended for a further two months.

The Government’s latest extension to the eviction moratorium means that landlords will be unable to commence a claim in the Courts for possession before 23 August 2020.

The move, intended to protect tenants facing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic, does not excuse tenants from paying rent and any missed payments will, in most cases, result in the accrual of rent arrears unless agreed otherwise.

How these arrears are repaid is down to the discussions and agreements between individual tenants and landlords. Once the moratorium ends, if arrears continue to be unpaid, then landlords will be able to take action to repossess their property via eviction proceedings.

The Government has said that tenants and landlords should maintain a dialogue and consider all options including flexible payment plans which take into account a tenant’s circumstances.

The Government is also working on new arrangements, including legislation, which will ensure the Courts are better equipped to address the need for appropriate protection of all parties, including those shielding from coronavirus. 

These arrangements should ensure that judges have the necessary information to make just decisions and protect the most vulnerable, according to the Government. 

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