Bailiff Ban Over and Notice Periods Shortened!

The ban on bailiff evictions is now over! Of course, the courts will continue to prioritise the most serious cases, such as those involving fraud or anti-social behaviour. With many evictions still waiting to be enforced which predate the pandemic, this will not be a quick process – but at least the bailiffs are now available! In addition, from today, notice periods for both section 21 and section 8 notices have been reduced as follows:

• Section 21 – 4 months.
• Section 8, Ground 1 (landlord to live in the property) – 4 months.
• Section 8, Ground 2 (mortgage arrears) – 4 months.
• Section 8, Ground 3 (holiday lets) – 4 months.
• Section 8, Ground 4 (educational let) – 4 months.
• Section 8, Ground 5 (minister of religion) – 4 months.
• Section 8, Ground 6 (substantial works to the property) – 4 months.
• Section 8, Ground 7 (successor not entitled) – 2 months.
• Section 8, Ground 7A (mandatory ASB) – unchanged.
• Section 8, Ground 7B (immigration status) – 2 weeks.
• Section 8, Ground 8 (mandatory rent arrears) – where over 4 months’ accumulated rent arrears are owing – 4 weeks’ notice, otherwise 4 months (reducing to two months on 01/08/2021).
• Section 8, Ground 9 (suitable alternative accommodation) – 4 months.
• Section 8, Ground 10 (rent arrears) – where over 4 months’ accumulated rent arrears are owing – 4 weeks’ notice, otherwise 4 months (reducing to two months on 01/08/2021).
• Section 8, Ground 11 (persistent delays in paying rent) – where over 4 months’ accumulated rent arrears are owing – 4 weeks’ notice, otherwise 4 months (reducing to two months on 01/08/2021).
• Section 8, Ground 12 (breach of tenancy) – 4 months.
• Section 8, Ground 13 (property deterioration) – 4 months.
• Section 8, Ground 14 (discretionary ASB) – unchanged.
• Section 8, Ground 14ZA (offence during a riot) – unchanged.
• Section 8, Ground 15 (condition of furniture) – 4 months.
• Section 8, Ground 16 (employment by landlord terminated) – 4 months.
• Section 8, Ground 17 (false statement) – between 2 to 4 weeks.

Landlords should be aware that the changes above are reflected in the prescribed forms for section 21 and section 8 notices which have been updated today. It is anticipated that, subject to progress with the government’s ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown, notice periods will return to pre-pandemic levels from 01/10/2021. Do you have tenancy related issues and not know where to begin? Confused about which ground(s) to use? Or what the relevant notice period will be? Get in touch with Rebecca Chadwick, solicitor at Landlord Support, for some free and friendly initial advice: 01704 790 532 hello@dwduk.co.uk www.landlord-support.co.uk