30 October 2020

Important news on evictions: Rent Guarantee, evictions and the tier system

By Will Riley Senior Account Handler
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We last provided an update in  August on the current situation with evictions during the pandemic.

You may recall that we let you know that the ban on evictions was extended through to September. The eviction ban was lifted in England on 20th September, with revised rules in place, most importantly including a minimum notice period of six months which will run through to March 2021 at the earliest. Where eviction hearings are taking place, the most serious cases will take priority, such as those involving domestic violence.

However, with the increasing number of Covid-19 cases and the increasing number of areas moving into Tier 2 and Tier 3 restrictions, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed that they are asking bailiffs to cease entering properties in those areas, effectively stopping them from enforcing eviction proceedings. Therefore, it looks like landlords will have to remain patient if they are looking to remove tenants as the pandemic continues to curtail everyday activities.

It will be worth remembering that the areas entering Tier 2 and 3 restrictions are changing all the time, so why not check what area your properties are in so that you know where you stand? Don’t forget that Scotland has recently implemented their own five-tier system, so enforcements will work slightly differently there. If you have properties there, keep an eye out for local updates. In Wales and Northern Ireland, more stringent Covid measures are currently in force which are likely to limit or even prevent enforcement measures in any case.

Our current stance on offering Rent Indemnity cover (also known as Rent Guarantee insurance) remains the same as in August. We are still working with our insurer partners to offer a product which would accommodate the current environment. After careful research, many of the current covers on offer would not provide adequate protection with many leaving you unable to claim until March 2021 at a minimum, whilst still paying for an annual policy.

If you do have Rent Guarantee cover elsewhere, we would recommend you check that you are covered as you expect given the eviction rules in your area. If you are unsure, you can always drop us a line at Protect My Let and we will be happy to discuss your circumstances with you, regardless of whether your policy is with us or not. Call us on 01206 771 260.

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