Manchester buy-to-let landlords will now have to give tenants six months’ notice to vacate their property, following an announcement that the eviction ban will now be extended until 20 September.
The government made the announcement on Friday when it also confirmed that the ban on possession proceedings in England and Wales will be extended until 20 September.
Exceptions on this notice include cases involving anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse. A Manchester landlord can now only ask a tenant to leave during the fixed term if they have certain grounds to do so, including if tenants are in arrears, have used the property for illegal purposes, such as selling drugs, or if they have seriously damaged the property.
In a statement, Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “I know this year has been challenging and all of us are still living with the effects of Covid-19. That is why I am announcing a further four-week ban on evictions, meaning no renters will have been evicted for six months.
“I am also increasing protections for renters – six-month notice periods must be given to tenants, supporting renters over winter.
“However it is right that the most egregious cases, for example those involving anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse perpetrators, begin to be heard in court again. So when courts reopen, landlords will once again be able to progress these priority cases.”
When courts do resume eviction hearings, they will carefully prioritise the most egregious cases, ensuring landlords are able to progress the most serious cases. This includes situations where landlords have not received rent for over a year and would otherwise face unmanageable debts.
The new six month notice periods are to be in place until at least 31 March 2021.
Independent research has suggested, however, that 87 per cent of tenants have continued to pay full rent since the start of the pandemic, with a further 8 per cent agreeing to reduced fees with their landlords.
The key is an open and transparent communication between all parties, ensuring that rental payments are either made on time or arranging an action plan for a rent schedule at the earliest opportunity; something that Abode have proactively ensured between all our landlords and tenants.
For more information on how we can ensure your tenancies remain healthy and happy during these uncertain times, give us a call on 0161 883 2525.
