How does the new tenancy notice period affect me?

Angela Ellis

There have been some significant changes in the rental market which were introduced by the government on 29th August 2020.

The Secretary of State for Housing, Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:

“We have developed a package of support for renters to ensure they continue to be protected over winter. I have changed the law so that renters are protected by a 6 month notice period until March 2021.”

“No tenant will have been legally evicted for 6 months at the height of the pandemic as the stay on possession proceedings has been extended until 20 September. For the most egregious cases, for example those involving anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse perpetrators, notice periods have returned to their normal level, and landlords will be able to progress serious rent arrears cases more quickly.”

"These changes will support landlords to progress the priority cases while keeping the public safe over winter. We will keep these measures under review and decisions will continue to be guided by the latest public health advice."


Key points for tenants

  • Your landlord must provide at least 6 months’ notice period prior to seeking possession through the courts (in most cases).
  • Notices served on and before 28 August are not affected by these changes, and must be at least 3 months.
  • Your landlord will need to set out in their claim any relevant information about your circumstances, including information on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For the full press release from the Ministry of Housing, click here.


Key points for landlords

  • You must provide at least 6 months’ notice period prior to seeking possession through the courts (in most cases).
  • Notices served on and before 28 August are not affected by these changes, and must be at least 3 months.
  • You will need to set out in your claim any relevant information about your tenant’s circumstances, including information on the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • There have been changes regarding the notice period in the following circumstances;
    • anti-social behaviour (now 4 weeks’ notice)
    • domestic abuse (now 2 to 4 weeks’ notice)
    • false statement (now 2 to 4 weeks’ notice)
    • over 6 months’ accumulated rent arrears (now 4 weeks’ notice)
    • breach of immigration rules ‘Right to Rent’ (now 3 months’ notice)

For the full press release from the Ministry of Housing, click here.

Published