Exceptions will be made in the most serious cases, such as incidents of anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse.
The government has introduced legislation meaning landlords must now give tenants six months’ notice before they can evict, until March 2021.
Exceptions will be made in the most serious cases, such as incidents of anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse.
The stay on possession proceedings has been extended until 20 September, meaning that in total no tenant can have been legally evicted for six months at the height of the pandemic.
This is part of a package of support for renters which includes the extension of notice periods and the extension to the stay on possession proceedings.
For the most egregious cases, notice periods have returned to their pre-coronavirus levels, and landlords will be able to progress serious rent arrears cases more quickly.
From 29 August, landlords must provide at least six months’ notice period prior to seeking possession through the courts in most cases, including section 21 evictions and rent arrears under six months.
Notices served on and before 28 August are not affected by these changes, and must be at least three months.
In addition, new court rules have been agreed, which will come into force on 20 September meaning landlords will need to set out in their claim any relevant information about a tenant’s circumstances, including the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Where this information is not provided, judges will have the ability to adjourn proceedings.
Secretary of State for Housing Robert Jenrick MP (pictured) said: "We have developed a package of support for renters to ensure they continue to be protected over winter.
"I have changed the law so that renters are protected by a six month notice period until March 2021.
"No tenant will have been legally evicted for six months at the height of the pandemic as the stay on possession proceedings has been extended until 20 September.
"For the most egregious cases, for example those involving anti-social behaviour or domestic abuse perpetrators, notice periods have returned to their normal level, and landlords will be able to progress serious rent arrears cases more quickly.
"These changes will support landlords to progress the priority cases while keeping the public safe over winter.
"We will keep these measures under review and decisions will continue to be guided by the latest public health advice."
The new legislation applies to both the private and social rented sectors in England, and to all new notices in relation to assured, assured shorthold, secure, flexible, introductory and demoted tenancies and those under the Rent Act 1977, but not to any notices issued before the legislation comes into force.
