LETTINGS: Tenancy notice period changes 2021

The UK government have announced that notice periods for Assured and Assured Shorthold Tenancies are set to revert to those prior to the pandemic from 1st October 2021. The Coronavirus Act 2020, which saw the government increase all notices to six months for most grounds (including Section 21 notices), with exemptions for certain serious cases, will now be phased out.

Teresa Sergeant, Head of Lettings with youngsRPS said “with five legislative changes during the course of the pandemic it has been a challenge for many to keep track of what rights they have, particularly for independent landlords without an agency behind them, and as restrictions gradually begin to ease, it’s important to know what your rights are.”

If you’re a landlord;

Reinstated notice periods mean landlords will be able to give tenants a two-month notice period, using either Section 21 or Section 8. Offering landlords more protection in the unlikely event of having problematic tenants. Tenants who have serious rent arrears may receive just two weeks’ notice before eviction. However, it is worth noting that, the UK Government have retained the ability to reinstate temporary legislation changes should a winter Covid surge necessitate it.

If you’re a tenant;

If you receive and eviction notice, or are in rent arears, the first thing you should do is contact your landlord or your lettings manager, evictions are often a last resort for a landlord and therefore you may be able to work together to find a compromise. If the eviction notice is down to rent arrears try to work out a repayment plan that you are both comfortable with. Seek external help, find out what financial support is out there for you.

Teresa continues “now that normality is starting to return employment levels are on the rise again and the rental market is seeing a semblance of normality. Before Landlords do take action, we would always recommend seeking professional advice. Is eviction the only course of action, can mediation between landlord and tenant help?

We constantly monitor all aspects of the letting market and how these affect all clients, enabling us to anticipate changes affecting landlords, tenants, and investors. Our professional, qualified practitioners are here to support you. If you need sound, professional advice contact us today, visit https://youngsrps.com/residential