More than 75% of tenants approve the latest extension of the ban on eviction
Landlords continue to push for an end to the eviction ban.
While the eviction ban has been a source of frustration for some landlords, three-quarters (76%) of tenants have welcomed the latest extension, according to an investigation by real estate and leasing agents Barrows and Forrester.
Last Monday should have marked the end of the eviction ban timeline, however, the decision to extend it further means that eviction notices will not be served for another six weeks in England and Wales, following a measure similar from Scotland late last week.
About 43% of homeowners believe the ban should not have been extended.
“The ban on evictions is a very sensitive issue.”
James Forrester, Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, said: “The ban on tenant evictions is a sensitive issue and both sides of the argument have valid reasons for wanting the ban extended or lifted.”
“The financial reasons caused by the pandemic are certainly a factor, and almost half of the tenants see their financial situation deteriorate due to the pandemic.”
“However, a much smaller proportion have struggled to pay their rent, and many owners have also seen their rental income sustained, which is good news for everyone operating in the industry.”
“There are also those who are using the current eviction ban as an excuse to avoid paying rent, and while this is a very small proportion of renters, it still represents a serious headache for landlords.”
In Northern Ireland, 67% of tenants said they are worse off as a result of the current pandemic, and tenants in the West Midlands (50%), East Midlands (48%), and Greater London (47%) also have more trouble than most.
Forrester added: “Fortunately, the government has now allowed landlords to include any unpaid rent accumulated since the onset of the pandemic within the six-month time frame, at which point eviction procedures can begin.”
“Of course, the ban itself poses a much more serious problem for some. Financial reasons aside, many of the most serious cases are due to domestic violence or antisocial behavior.”
“It is fair to say that in these cases the government should not protect tenants from eviction, so it is reassuring to see that these should continue to be considered on a case-by-case basis.”
“Landlords are the backbone of the rental market and, ultimately, much more needs to be done to help them through this difficult time.”
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