Eviction ban extended again until end of May stopping thousands of renters from losing their homes
AN eviction ban has been extended until the end of May protecting thousands of renters from losing their homes.
The ban, which applies to renters in England, was due to end on March 31 but today the deadline has been pushed back until May 31.
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The change in law means that landlords cannot serve eviction notices to tenants except in extreme circumstances, such as anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse.
Initially billed as a short-term measure, the ban was issued in March last year to stop renters from being kicked out of their homes during the first coronavirus lockdown.
Since then, the ban has been extended multiple times to stop renters from becoming homeless amid the pandemic.
Landlords that want to evict tenants are required to give at least a six-month notice period to tenants until May 31.
What to do if you can't pay your rent
FOR private renters, speak to your landlord as soon as you can.
They may be able to defer your payment, or to allow you to pay a smaller amount - but they don't have to do this.
Social renters should speak to their housing association or local council.
If you've tried speaking to your housing association or landlord and they aren't being sympathetic, contact Shelter for advice and support. They'll be able to guide you about what to do next.
If you're finding it difficult to manage your payments because you're in debt, here are some tips for you to curb it:
Check your bank balance on a regular basis - knowing your spending patterns is the first step to managing your money
Work out your budget - by writing down your income and taking away your essential bills such as food and transport
If you have money left over, plan in advance what else you’ll spend or save. If you don’t, look at ways to cut your costs
Pay off more than the minimum - If you’ve got credit card debts aim to pay off more than the minimum amount on your credit card each month to bring down your bill quicker
Pay your most expensive credit card sooner - If you have more than one credit card and can’t pay them off in full each month, prioritise the most expensive card (the one with the highest interest rate)
Prioritise your debts - If you’ve got several debts and you can’t afford to pay them all it’s important to prioritise them. Your rent, mortgage, council tax and energy bills should be paid first because the consequences can be more serious if you don't pay
Get advice - If you’re struggling to pay your debts month after month it’s important you get advice as soon as possible, before they build up even further.
Groups like Citizens Advice, Money Advice Trust or StepChange can also help you prioritise and negotiate with your creditors to offer you more affordable repayment plans.
This will ensure renters have enough time to find alternative accommodation or support as England eases out of the current lockdown.
But campaign group Generation Rent warns renters still face "a cliff edge"; when the ban is lifted due to debts built up because of the impact of lockdown restrictions.
The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) added that the extension will "do nothing" to help landlords and tenants hit financially by lockdown.
Richard Lane, director of external affairs at StepChange debt charity, said: "Without targeted financial support, many renters are at risk of losing their homes.
"We need urgent action to prevent homelessness, housing insecurity and long-term problem debt from taking hold when the newly extended suspension is lifted."
All three groups are calling for an emergency financial package from the Government to help tenants deal with their rent arrears caused by the restrictions enforced over the past year.
The NRLA's Ben Beadle said: "Without this, more tenants face losing their homes, and many will carry damaged credit scores, making it more difficult to rent in the future and causing huge pressure on local authorities when they can least manage it."
A ban on commercial evictions has been extended too, until June 30, to ensure businesses are able to reopen in summer.
It gives the worst hit businesses, such as bars and restaurants, another three months to prepare to welcome back customers without fear of being kicked out of their property.
The hospitality industry is allowed to open for outdoor service from April 12 and for indoor service from May 17.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: "We have taken unprecedented action to support both commercial and residential tenants throughout the pandemic – with a £280billion economic package to keep businesses running and people in jobs and able to meet their outgoings, such as rent."
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Rules on eviction bans are different for tenants in Wales and Scotland as housing is a matter for the devolved governments.
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Tenants in Wales are being told to take out a low-interest government loan to pay off rent arrears built up because of the pandemic to avoid eviction.
The UK government is being urged to follow Wales' lead and launch a similar loan initiative to help renters in England.