As a result of another lockdown, the temporary ban on bailiff evictions has been extended in England. In addition, the Communities Secretary, Robert Jenrick, announced extra support to protect rough sleepers, backed by an additional £10 million in funding.
How long is the extension of the ban?
The ban on bailiff evictions is set to run until at least the 21st February 2021 (measures to be kept under review).
It is important to note however that the ban does not affect more serious cases, such as:
· Anti-social behaviour
· Illegal occupation
· Death of a tenant where the property in question is unoccupied
· Domestic abuse in social housing
· Serious rent arrears (equivalent to 6 months’ rent)
How will the additional funding help rough sleepers?
The additional funding is to help those that are currently sleeping rough by ensuring they are urgently registered with a GP (where they are not already). This is to make sure that rough sleepers are protected from the virus and receive relevant vaccinations in line with the priority groups structure.
What else is the Government doing to help?
A new mediation pilot is set to be launched from February 2021 to support renters who face Court proceedings and potential eviction. The aim of the service is to help resolve disputes early to enable the Courts to prioritise urgent cases.
Our thoughts on the pilot scheme
TDS Resolution is in full support of this pilot. It aims to resolve difficult situations between landlords and tenants amicably and as a result, can mean avoiding Court proceedings which can prove to be a lengthy and expensive process.
TDS Resolution launched in July 2020 with the same aim and will continue to provide support to landlords and tenants alike. Our team has extensive experience in resolving tricky situations between parties, helping them to agree suitable rent arrears repayment plans.
To find out more please visit www.tdsresolution.com or get started now using our interactive form below.
Author
George Chrysanthou
Executive Assistant
Comments