The UK Government has announced a four-week extension to the ban on evictions, originally set to expire on August 23, protecting tenants unable to pay rent due to the coronavirus pandemic. The new deadline is September 20.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick confirmed the move, stating that no renters will have been evicted for six months. He also noted that six-month notice periods must be given to tenants, supporting renters over winter. However, the most serious cases, such as those involving anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse, will be heard in court again.
Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer criticised the extension as insufficient, calling it an 'eleventh hour U-turn' that merely gives renters 'a few more weeks to pack their bags.' He urged the government to scrap Section 21 evictions and provide proper support.
Charities, including Shelter, warned of a potential homelessness crisis. Shelter's chief executive Polly Neate said the government must use the short window to put proper safeguards in place, noting that 230,000 private tenants have fallen behind on rent since March.
