Update on Government ban on evictions and new possession proceedings

News

19/03/2020

The government has announced a ban on new possession proceedings for the next three months together with a number of other measures which will affect the rental market.

The measures announced so far include (which will be implemented through emergency legislation this week):

  • The suspension of new evictions from social or private rented accommodation;
  • A ban on new possession proceedings being commenced for the next three months;
  • The extension of a 3-month mortgage payment holiday to Buy to Let mortgages;
  • A widening of the ‘Pre-action protocol’ on possession proceedings which will aim to encourage engagement between landlords and tenants to resolve disputes;
  • Guidance will be issued which encourages landlords to show ‘flexibility’ to tenants during the current crisis.

The announcements lack the detail many will hope for and aside from the extension of the mortgage payment holiday measures, there have not yet been any other measures announced to assist landlords.

Private sector landlords will likely need to turn to their landlord insurance policy (or look into obtaining one) and those with possession proceedings on foot or listed for a hearing will have to wait until the ban on evictions is lifted to be able to enforce any orders which are obtained.

So far, the proposals do not address what assistance will be available to local government housing departments or private providers of emergency accommodation on behalf of local authorities.

The Property, Chancery and Commercial Team at 1 Chancery Lane are available to assist those in this sector who require advice.

A link to the current guidance is here.

Latest News & Events

The Dekagram: 8th July 2025

In the week the Hague Convention came into force, whilst the domestic courts heard an important appeal on Covid refund claims, Anirudh Mandagere and Tom Collins bring us all the latest news both internationally and nationally. And as always, members of Deka Chambers are at…

Tom Little KC and James Thacker KC provide training to the CPS Homicide Unit

On 1 July, chambers was delighted to welcome leaders and members of the CPS Homicide Unit for a training and social evening. First Senior Treasury Counsel and Joint Head of Chambers Tom Little KC, was able to draw upon his experience of prosecuting some of…

The Dekagram: 30th June 2025

This week Julia Brechtelsbauer grapples with the continuing issues around taking evidence from abroad, and examines a case which illustrates well the problems, both legal and practical, that can arise when dealing with witnesses located in another jurisdiction. Meanwhile, Andrew Spencer asks whether UK law…

© Deka Chambers 2025

Search

Portfolio Builder

Select the expertise that you would like to download or add to the portfolio

Download    Add to portfolio   
Portfolio
Title Type CV Email

Remove All

Download


Click here to share this shortlist.
(It will expire after 30 days.)