Please note: The information contained in this article is correct at the time of writing. While we make every effort to ensure our blogs are updated, due to the ongoing coronavirus guidelines, guidance is subject to change. As such, we would always advise you speak with a solicitor for specific advice tailored to your circumstances.

At the height of the pandemic, it was recognised that there was a need to protect tenants from repossession proceedings being issued against them. Therefore, for the last 18 months the government has implemented emergency measures as part of the Coronavirus Act 2020 which protect tenants by requiring landlords to provide longer notice periods when seeking possession of residential property. These measures have been extended and modified several times during the pandemic.

Under the temporary restrictions, landlords must provide residential tenants four months’ notice to leave a rented home under section 21 Housing Act 1988.

The Housing Secretary has announced that from 1 October 2021 the notice periods for residential leases will no longer be four months and will return back to the pre-COVID period of two months.

Returning the notice periods to their pre-COVID length will allow landlords to repossess their property where necessary. However, the Ministry for Housing Communities and Local Government will retain the power to implement the restrictions again if the COVID-19 situation worsens. This power will be retained until 25 March 2022.

Please note that these measures will only apply in England.

For legal advice on your rights as a landlord or as a tenant with regards to notice periods or recovery of rent, please contact our experts at Farleys on 0845 287 0939. Alternatively, you can send your enquiry through our online contact form and a member of the team will get back to you.