Coronavirus: Changes to residential tenancy notice periods

The Coronavirus Act 2020 has been amended to change the notice periods for notices served on or after 1 June 2021 relating to some residential tenancies in England.

Section 21 Notice

Currently, a landlord must give at least 6 months’ notice to terminate an assured shorthold tenancy agreement. From 1 June until 30 September 2021, the notice period will be reduced to 4 months. It is expected more changes may follow.

If possession proceedings are necessary following expiry of a notice served after 1 June 2021, they must be issued within 8 months of the S.21 notice being served.

Section 8 Notice

From 1 June 2021, in situations where there are less than 4 months’ rent outstanding and grounds 8, 10 or 11 are to be relied upon solely, 4 months’ notice must be given to a tenant. Grounds 8, 10 and 11 relate to serious rent arrears, rent arrears and persistent delays in rent payments.

From 1 August 2021 to 30 September 2021, this period will be reduced to 2 months’ notice.

From 1 June 2021, where there is more than 4 months of rent outstanding, only 4 weeks’ notice is required to be given.

If ground 7, the death of a tenant, is relied upon, only 2 months’ notice is required. The notice period is reduced to 2 weeks if the tenant has no right to rent (7B), or there are issues of domestic violence and a social landlord (14A), riot conviction (14ZA) or a false statement by the tenant (17).

Eviction Ban

The eviction ban currently in place is set to expire on 31 May 2021, however we will have to wait to see if the Government extends the ban further.

How we can help you

Our specialist real estate disputes team can offer support for landlords and tenants, resolve disputes quickly and minimise any disruption. Contact us today.


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