Notice periods for Section 8 and Section 21 Notices to reduce in England from October 1st 2021.

eviction, housing, landlord, tenant
Sep 13 | 2021
 

Notice periods for Section 8 and Section 21 Notices to reduce in England from October 1st 2021.

  In March 2020, the Government introduced emergency legislation which ensured tenancies were subject to a six-month notice period if a landlord sought to terminate the tenancy (with exceptions in certain serious cases). Section 8 and Section 21 notice periods were reduced in June 2021 (and August 2021 if a landlord was evicting a tenant due to unpaid rent); however, they have still not returned to pre-pandemic levels.   The Government has confirmed in the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Residential Tenancies and Notices) (Amendment and Suspension) (England) Regulations 2021, that Section 8 and Section 21 notice periods will reduce to pre-pandemic levels in England from October 1st 2021. In effect, the notice period required for a Section 21 Notice will reduce from 4 months to 2 months.   These changes apply to assured shorthold tenancy agreements in England.   It has now been 18 months since emergency legislation was enacted and some landlords have expressed disappointment over the perceived lack of measures to protect their rights. These changes will therefore be welcomed by many landlords in England.   It is important to note, that the Government retains the ability to reapply longer notice periods until March 25th 2022 should the future public health situation warrant a further extension. Ultimately, these changes depend largely on the severity of the pandemic and can be reversed at any time.   We await further updates from the Welsh Government to determine whether notice periods in Wales will also be reduced; the three-month extension to six-month notice periods imposed in June 2021 is due to expire on September 30th 2021.   At NewBold Solicitors, we can offer advice and assistance to landlords and tenants. If you would like to discuss your case with us, please call our dedicated team on 0330 123 1131 or visit our Landlord or Tenant Services pages for further information.   Jake Wesson – Graduate Solicitor – Property Litigation
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