Regulations outlining how six month
notice periods will work in England have been published today with the changes
coming into force on Saturday 29 August 2020 and effectively extending the
Coronavirus Act 2020 through to 31 March 2021.
The
government has announced its intention to support tenants in need as we enter
Autumn and Winter months with widespread announcements on redundancies, while
also responding to calls for justice from letting agents and landlords
grappling with pre-COVID-19 rent arrears and anti-social behaviour.
From the
start of the bank holiday weekend, Saturday 29 August, agents who need to issue
section notices as a result of tenants incurring rent arrears or misleading
information must allow six months before gaining possession. However, if the
rent arrears exceed six months rental payments, the notice period will reduce
to four weeks.
A number of
other scenarios are addressed in a slab structure of possession proceedings:
In cases of domestic abuse or riot, two weeks' notice will be sufficient
Where landlords are seeking possession as a result of antisocial behaviour, four weeks' notice will be sufficient
Where tenants are required to vacate property as a result of failed follow up Right to Rent checks, 12 weeks notice will be required
For more information on this change in legislation contact Paul Barnes,
Letting Director on 024 7622 8111.