On 18 March 2020, as part of the raft of measures being introduced in response to the Coronavirus, the Government announced that it would be introducing emergency legislation that would be directly relevant to those in rental (private and social) sector.
We are still awaiting full details of what is intended, and will provide an update when we are able to do so, but insofar as we understand things at present:-
- No new possession claims will be dealt with by the Court for at least the next 3 months; and
- It appears that any possession claims that have already been issued will be suspended for the foreseeable future
- The Pre-Action Protocol for Possession Claims by Social Landlords is to be applicable to include private tenants, requiring there to be discussions between the Landlord and Tenant regarding the Tenant's financial circumstances, with the Landlord working with the Tenant to assist the Tenant in resolving any financial difficulties the Tenant may have that impacts on their ability to pay rent.
- Measures to be introduced by the Government in relation to the provision of "mortgage holidays" are to be extended to Landlords who may be impacted by any financial difficulties suffered by their Tenant(s) as a result of the Coronavirus
Originally published 30 June, 2020
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