On 5 June 2020 the government extended the suspension on evictions until 23 August 2020. We understand that these changes will be implemented on 25 June, shortly before the current moratorium expires.
Important points in the government’s announcement include:
- Measures are to be introduced so that the courts can consider appropriate protection of all parties, including vulnerable tenants and those shielding from coronavirus.
- The government has stated that “where tenants do experience financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic, the government is clear that landlords and tenants should work together and exhaust all possible options – such as flexible payment plans which take into account a tenant’s individual circumstances – to ensure cases only end up in court as an absolute last resort.”
- Nevertheless, “the ultimate ambition is to transition out of these measures at the end of August to allow the market to operate while ensuring people have appropriate access to justice.”
- Financial assistance schemes for landlords, tenants and businesses are included in the same announcement. The full text can be read here.
We understand that the two month extension will come into force on 25 June, before the current moratorium expires, and will also apply “to home owners, commercial and leasehold”.
If you are affected by any of these issues, please get in touch with Michael Large on +44(0) 207 704 3425 or michael.large@colmancoyle.com.