Member Article

Solicitor on four week eviction ban extension

In light of the recent ban on landlords evicting tenants in England and Wales being extended until 20 September, Linden Talbot, commercial litigation solicitor and property dispute specialist at Trethowans LLP, comments:

“Tenants will undoubtedly see the eviction ban extension as good news, although they are likely to have preferred us to follow in the footsteps of Scotland with a lengthier extension (March 2021).

“However, contrary to popular belief, it must be said that according to the National Residential Landlords Association over 95% of tenants are paying their rent on time or have come to an arrangement with their landlord to avoid arrears.

“Of course, a collaborative approach between the parties in which a tenant and landlord is transparent is highly recommended. Needless to say, landlords will most certainly be disappointed and frustrated with this 11th hour U-turn as there remains no way in which to evict the minority of tenants who exercise anti-social behaviour or have rent arrears, even those which pre-date Covid-19. * * “Most residential landlords have single properties which they may rely upon as a main source of income. This further delay, along with the awareness that even once the ban is lifted the floodgates will open causing months of delays in the already stretched courts, may cause some to rethink their future in residential lettings.“

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Trethowans .