Robert Pearson
As outlined in our earlier articles, there have been significant changes in recent months to the way in which landlords can obtain possession of residential properties in England.
The changes have included introducing a ban on residential evictions (which has now been lifted) and extending the notice periods which landlords are required to give tenants when serving notice under the Housing Act 1988. These are commonly known as Section 8 or Section 21 Notices. The changes were introduced under the Coronavirus Act 2020 and were announced in order to protect tenants from eviction during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Government has adopted a phased approach to lifting the restrictions around residential evictions. This has included gradually reducing the required notice periods and from today (1 October 2021) the notice periods for Assured and Assured Shorthold Tenancies have been reduced to the pre-pandemic levels. The prescribed forms have also been updated with effect from 1 October 2021.
This news is likely to be welcomed by many landlords across the country, however, landlords should also be aware that the legislation which imposed the extended notice periods remains in force until 25 March 2022. Therefore, there may be further changes to the possession process or notice periods introduced at short notice. This is likely to depend on the Government’s response to the coronavirus pandemic over the coming months.
This is an area which continues to change and develop in response to the Government’s roadmap and response to the coronavirus pandemic. We suggest that you contact a member of our Commercial Litigation & Dispute Resolution Department if you would like to discuss obtaining possession of a residential property in England.