Government Bans New Evictions Amid Coronavirus Crisis
The UK government has unveiled a bold new plan to protect renters and landlords hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Emergency laws will freeze all new evictions from social and private rented homes for at least three months.
Eviction Proceedings Suspended – Renters Can Breathe Easy
No landlord will be able to start court action to evict tenants during this critical period. This means no one renting privately or socially will face the threat of losing their home while the nation battles COVID-19.
“No renter who has lost income due to coronavirus will be forced out of their home,” said Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick. “We’re protecting renters and landlords alike through these extraordinary times.”
Mortgage Holiday Extended to Landlords
The government has also extended the three-month mortgage holiday to landlords with Buy to Let properties. This eases the pressure on landlords worried about keeping up mortgage payments as their tenants struggle to pay rent.
After the payment break, landlords and tenants will need to work out affordable repayment plans that consider individual circumstances.
New Rules to Encourage Landlord-Tenant Cooperation
To help smooth things over, the government has worked with the Master of the Rolls to expand pre-action protocols for possession cases, now including private renters. This means landlords must contact tenants to discuss their financial situation before considering eviction.
The government urges landlords to show compassion and support tenants remaining in their homes wherever possible.
Industry Leaders Back the Move
Ben Beadle, Chief Exec of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “Landlord groups welcome government support. We recognise the exceptional circumstances and will work closely with government to protect both landlords and tenants.”
The National Housing Federation and Local Government Association also praised the eviction ban, insisting no one should be forced out due to coronavirus.
Extra Help for Help to Buy Borrowers
On top of these measures, those with government-backed Help to Buy equity loans struggling with payments due to the virus will be offered interest payment holidays.
The government is acting fast to keep renters and landlords afloat during this unprecedented emergency.
