Landlords in north Oxfordshire alerted to further changes to evictions legislation

Cherwell District Council has been working to prevent evictions during the coronavirus pandemic.

The council welcomes the news that, in most cases, landlords must now give tenants six months’ notice before seeking possession through the courts, and a further stay on possession proceedings, until September 20.

However, the government has moved to expedite proceedings in more serious cases. The exact amount of notice required will depend on the type of tenancy and the reason the landlord is pursuing eviction.

Cllr John Donaldson, Cherwell's lead member for housing, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic and the necessary lockdown measures have affected people in many walks of life. We don’t want to see anyone being made homeless because of coronavirus, which is why I am pleased that the eviction notice period has been extended.

“Landlords are not automatically being granted mortgage holidays by the banks, so it is also very important that tenants honour their commitments to landlords as much as possible.

“We are here to offer advice and support to both landlords and tenants and would urge anyone with concerns about renting to get in touch with us.

“In the minority of cases where possession proceedings really must be started, we want to make sure landlords are fully up to date with the latest changes to legislation.”

It remains the case that landlords will need to follow evictions proceedings to the letter, and to demonstrate to the courts that they have considered the effect of the pandemic on tenants and their families.

Shelter has provided a useful guide to evictions procedures for tenants which is available here: england.shelter.org.uk/housing_advice/eviction/eviction_notices_from_private_landlordsFor advice and support, people can contact the council’s tenancy relations officer on 01295 227961 or [email protected]