On 8th January, Housing Secretary, Robert Jenrick, announced a further extension to the ban on bailiff-enforced evictions for private renters in England which comes into force on 11 January. The current restrictions were due to end on Monday following a month-long ban over the Christmas period. The new extension will be until 21 February and reviewed regularly.
There are exemptions to the regulations which include:
- Illegal occupation
- False statement
- Anti-social behaviour
- Where a property is unoccupied following the death of a tenant
- Extreme rent arrears (equivalent to six months’ rent with any arrears accrued since 23 March discounted)
The UK Government has now approved The Public Health (Coronavirus) (Protection from Eviction) (England) Regulations 2021 and has released updated guidance to reflect a return to a national lockdown and the extension of the ban on bailiff enforcement.
