Protection for Tenants Extended with Further Suspension of Possession Proceedings

The stay (pause) on possession proceedings has been extended until 23 August 2020, giving those who rent property in England and Wales further protection from eviction.

Previously the stay was due to come to an end on 25 June 2020.

The stay affects both residential and commercial properties and it means that a landlord’s ability to recover their property by way of court proceedings has again been delayed. This also includes the enforcement of any possession order already obtained. 

Whist the stay has been extended that does not mean that there are not alternative options that can be considered by residential and commercial landlords. Please refer to our earlier blog on some of the common questions we have received with regard to obtaining possession of tenanted residential properties:

https://www.jcpsolicitors.co.uk/site/blog/covid19/a-covid-19-property-qanda-seeking-possession

Furthermore, there are some exclusions to the stay for example where there is a trespass:

https://www.jcpsolicitors.co.uk/site/blog/covid19/a-legal-update-for-property-owners-worried-about-trespass

The above may seem unclear to landlords and tenants of both residential and commercial property and whilst you may not feel that you are ready or in a position to take action we would always recommend speaking to us for some initial advice and to see what options are available to you.  Please do not hesitate to contact us to find out what options may be available to you during these unprecedented times.

Jonathan Flynn is an Associate Solicitor in our Property Litigation team and has experience in dealing with a wide range of property disputes including landlord and tenant issues. For further support, contact Jonathan by email on jonathan.flynn@jcpsolicitors.co.uk.