Shelter responds to extension of the bailiff ban and six-month notice periods

Shelter responds to today's government announcement that both the current ban on evictions by bailiffs, and six-month notice periods for private renters, will be extended until 31 May 2021.  

Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said: “These extensions will come as a relief to the frightened renters who’ve been flooding our helpline with calls. While the threat level from the virus is still high, it’s right that renters can stay safe in their homes. 

“But as we follow the roadmap out of lockdown, the destination for renters remains unknown. The pandemic has repeatedly exposed just how broken private renting is, leaving many people hanging onto their homes by a thread. And, although the ban and longer notice periods are keeping renters safe for now, they won’t last forever. 

“Millions are living at the mercy of a rental system that is notoriously unstable, expensive and where complaining can cost you your home. The government should use this pause to bring forward the Renters’ Reform Bill. Now is their shot at making renting fit for purpose, so we are never again in a position where so many are left so vulnerable.”

ENDS

Key stats on private renting during the pandemic: 

• Shelter’s latest research shows that almost 445,000 private renting adults in England have fallen behind on their rent or been served with some type of eviction notice. 

Source: [All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov Plc.  Total sample size was 3862 adults in England, including 636 private renters, 133 with children in the household. Fieldwork was undertaken between 26th - 30th November 2020.  The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all English adults (aged 18+). Population estimates have been calculated using data from the English Housing Survey 2019-20 and 2018-19.]