Throughout the pandemic, the government extended notice periods to protect renters to 6 months, but on 12th May 2021 they announced that from 1 June this would be reduced to 4 months. They introduced a phased approach, with the aim of notice periods being reduced to pre-pandemic levels by 1 October 2021.
The changes so far:
From 1 June the notice periods were reduced from 6 months to at least 4 months. Notice periods for cases which are the most serious for landlords remained lower. These are:
Anti-social behaviour: immediate to 4 weeks’ notice
Domestic abuse in the social sector: 2 to 4 weeks’ notice
False statement: 2 to 4 weeks’ notice
4 months’ or more accumulated rent arrears: 4 weeks’ notice
Breach of immigration rules ‘Right to Rent’: 2 weeks’ notice
Death of a tenant: 2 months’ notice
The notice period where there is less than 4 months’ unpaid rent reduced to 2 months from 1 August.
The government acknowledged that many landlords only own one property and rent arrears due to the pandemic has been hard on them.
They will publish a white paper in the autumn that will set out proposals to create a private rental sector that works for both landlords and tenants. This will include proposals for a new ‘lifetime deposit’ to make it easier to move properties and the abolition of the section 21 ‘no fault’ eviction notice to give tenants more security.
If you rent out your property or are a tenant who is renting, you may need to seek specialist advice regarding your rights and obligations, especially during this difficult time. We continue to monitor the Government’s guidance and our experts are on hand to offer advice to both landlords and tenants.
If you need assistance, contact us today on 01603 677077.
