Major changes for tenants start today

From today (June 1) the minimum notice period for tenants facing possession notices has reduced from six months to four.

Further changes to so called section 8 notice periods (on the grounds of rent arrears) come into force on August 1 2021.

Property Manager Joe Rocks, said the change comes as the ban on evictions ends and experts are forecasting as many as one million people may now face eviction due to rent arrears.

“Since the pandemic started, no evictions have taken place so there is bound to be a back-log of legal actions.

“We are in the fortunate position that the majority of our tenants were able to continue to pay their rent or come to a satisfactory arrangement.

“As a result of the change, the government has updated the notices online. Any notices issued from today need to use the new notices and landlords need to be very careful as using the incorrect form will result in an eviction case being thrown out of court,” he said.

There are concerns nationally over the impact on tenants facing eviction and growing calls for the government to offer assistance.

Ben Beadle, chief executive of the NRLA, said: “As the private rented sector moves out of lockdown measures, the chancellor has failed to provide tenants with the support they need. This is especially the case for the majority of those in rent arrears who do not qualify for benefit support.

“Without urgent assistance, many tenants face the prospect of losing their home needlessly as landlords struggle to shoulder the cost of arrears. Affected tenants also potentially face the negative impact of damage to their credit scores.

“The government needs to develop a financial package which ensures that benefits cover the rents of those in receipt of them. For those who do not qualify for benefit support, an interest free, government guaranteed tenant hardship loan should be established, similar to those in Wales and Scotland.”

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