Boris Johnson comes under pressure in today’s PMQs over protection for renters

The Coronavirus Bill is currently making its way through the House of Lords and it is hoped that it will be finalised later today.

Under the proposed legislation, private landlords can continue to serve notice on tenants seeking possession of their rented properties under section 21 Housing Act 1988, but the notice period has now been extended from two to three months.

It was previously anticipated that the emergency legislation would introduce a complete prohibition on possession proceedings (ie eviction proceedings) for a period of three months whilst the country deals with this national crisis. Legal commentators have been critical that the measures introduced under the Coronavirus Bill do not go far enough to protect renters who are at risk of being evicted during the pandemic.

Boris Johnson came under pressure from MPs during Prime Minister’s Questions today, many of whom argued that the current proposals do not go far enough to protect vulnerable renters who are struggling due to the impact of coronavirus.

The Prime Minister responded by assuring MPs that the three month period is under constant review. It remains to be seen whether this will be subject to change in order to protect vulnerable renters in this time of crisis.

The Coronavirus Bill is currently making its way through the House of Lords. Further information is available on Parliament’s website: https://services.parliament.uk/bills/2019-21/coronavirus.html

For further information or advice, please contact Holly Baker from our Dispute Resolution team.