Life is slowly starting to return to normal, and the gradual relaxation of restrictions includes those impacting the private rented sector. With the eviction ban coming to an end on 31 May 2021 and notice periods beginning to reduce, we're slowly but surely returning to normal.
We all have our fingers crossed hoping further restrictions will be relaxed on June 21st, however still remain vigilant at this time maintaining social distancing and keeping everyone safe. Our office has been open now for a while with normal opening hours, but some of us are still working from home when we can.
Pre-pandemic priorities also appear to be back on the government's agenda, with the Queen's Speech confirming that proposals for the Renters' Reform Bill will be released in autumn.
Graeme and the The Property Genius team
EVICTIONS BAN ENDED ON 31 MAY 2021 AND NOTICE PERIODS BEING REDUCED TO FOUR MONTHS
The government has confirmed that the evictions ban ended on 31 May 2021, however, bailiffs have been asked not to carry out an eviction if anyone living in the property has Covid-19 symptoms or is self-isolating. From 1 June 2021, notice periods - which had previously been extended to six months' notice - will be reduced to four months' notice. The announcement also said that, "subject to the public health advice and progress with the Roadmap", notice periods will return to pre-pandemic levels from 1 October 2021. Courts will continue to prioritise the most serious cases, such as those involving fraud or anti-social behaviour, with many of the evictions waiting to be enforced when the ban lifts, predating the pandemic. Notice periods for the most serious cases will remain lower.
We're still keeping in touch with your tenants to ensure that we're up to date on their current situation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to get in touch.
GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS THE RENTERS' REFORM BILL WILL BE MOVING FORWARD
The Renters' Reform Bill - first announced in late 2019 - is back on the agenda with the Queen's Speech confirming the government's intention to "enhance the rights of those who rent". In the briefing notes to the speech, the government announced that it would outline its "reform package" for the private rented sector in the autumn. This is set to include abolishing Section 21, as well as strengthening repossession grounds for landlords under Section 8 when they have valid cause. The government will also outline proposals for a new ‘lifetime’ tenancy deposit model that eases the burden on tenants when moving from one tenancy to the next, helping improve the experience of those living in the private rental sector.
If you have any questions about the Renters' Reform Bill and what it could mean for the private rented sector, don't hesitate to get in touch.
OUR RENTAL MARKET PERFORMANCE OVER THE PAST MONTH
The rental market roared back to life in May after a steady start to 2021, with void periods diminishing across the country, according to the latest Goodlord Rental Index. Despite the sales market taking centre stage following the stamp duty-induced frenzy, the increasingly strong performance for lettings is set to dominate the narrative this summer. Across the country, voids are tumbling and rents continue to be more resilient than predicted.
