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Wales extends eviction ban until 31 March
The Welsh government will extend its current evictions ban until the end of March.
Welsh housing minister Julie James said today that legislation would come into force on Monday that would suspend evictions from social and private rented accommodation up until the 31 March.
The Welsh government had already agreed to suspend restrictions between 11 December and 11 January. The new measures will protect people from being evicted from their homes during that period apart from in cases of anti-social behaviour or domestic violence.
Ms James said that it was “an extremely difficult period” and renters should not be forced out of their homes, particularly at a time when the government is telling people to stay in their homes.
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Last July, the Welsh government brought in legislation that would see the notice period for evictions be extended from three months to six months in cases of possession. This will remain in place until 31 March.
The move today mirrors that of the Scottish government who announced yesterday that it would also be extending its ban on evictions until 31 March. Scotland’s eviction ban was due to end on 22 January.
In Scotland the ban will be applied to any area currently under tier 3 or 4 restrictions. The whole of mainland Scotland is currently in Tier 4, while the majority of islands are in tier 3.
English housing secretary Robert Jenrick also announced today that England’s ban on evictions, which was supposed to end on Monday, was going to be extended until 21 February.
Alongside the eviction ban extension the Welsh government is currently providing other programmes to support renters including a new low interest tenancy saver loan scheme to help pay arrears, and the establishment of a sector helpline for private sector tenants currently facing rent arrears.
Ms James added: “While these changes offer greater protection to tenants, they are not an excuse for people not to pay their rent if they are able to, and address any financial problems they are experiencing.
“Having an early conversation with landlords to work out a way forward is vital, as is getting the right debt advice."
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