The evictions ban has been extended until 20 September with new six month notice periods brought in, it has been confirmed today.

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has branded the moves totally unacceptable. It is now calling for a comprehensive package of financial support to help landlords.

Ben Beadle, CEO at the NRLA, said: “A blanket extension is unacceptable, especially so close to the deadline. An enormous amount of work has gone into finding a balance between supporting tenants who have been affected by the pandemic and preventing significant financial harm to landlords, in accordance with the Government’s promise. This announcement satisfies no one. 

“Landlords have been left powerless in exercising their legal right to deal with significant arrears unrelated to Covid-19, anti-social behaviour and extremely disruptive tenants who make life miserable for their neighbours and housemates.  

“Private landlords cannot be expected to foot the bill for government failure. There must now be a plan to support households to pay their bills and to compensate landlords fully for their lost income. Only this will give both tenants and landlords security and reduce the risk of widespread tenancy failure.”