From 1 June, notice periods - previously extended to six months as an emergency measure during the pandemic – will be set at 4 months as part of a phased approach as we continue to come out of restrictions.
This will offer tenants continued protection throughout Step 3 and into Step 4 (which will begin from 21 June at the earliest). Subject to the public health advice and progress with the Roadmap, I understand that notice periods will then return to pre-pandemic levels from 1 October.
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 Covid-19 symptoms or is self-isolating.
This week the Government has also announced that a white paper will be published in the autumn which will set out proposals to create a fairer private rented sector that works for both landlords and tenants. This includes proposals for the abolition of Section 21 ‘no fault’ evictions to give tenants greater security and a new ‘lifetime deposit’ to ease the burden when moving house.
As ever, if you have any questions or need my help, please do email me at [email protected] and I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
