Boris Johnson has banned tenant evictions to stop renters getting booted out in a new coronavirus law.
The PM told MPs that the tough new measures would support workers and ensure no one would be evicted during the crisis.
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The plans will see landlords unable to evict tenants for at least a three-month period.
Those renting out properties will then be able to claim from the three month mortgage payment holiday plan to support themselves.
Once this ends, landlords and tenants will be expected to work together to establish an affordable repayment plan.
Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “The government is clear – no renter who has lost income due to coronavirus will be forced out of their home, nor will any landlord face unmanageable debts.
“These are extraordinary times and renters and landlords alike are of course worried about paying their rent and mortgage. Which is why we are urgently introducing emergency legislation to protect tenants in social and private accommodation from an eviction process being started.
“These changes will protect all renters and private landlords ensuring everyone gets the support they need at this very difficult time.”
The PM has earlier revealed the plans at PMQs, telling MPs his Government will do all they could to ensure “workers get the support they need.”
He said: “I can indeed confirm we will be bringing forward legislation to protect private renters from eviction.
“We will be working with the unions, working with colleagues across the house, further measures to support workers of all kinds, throughout this crisis.”
Previously landlords could use a clause called a Section 21 notice to evict tenants without any reason, leaving them just eight weeks to find a new home.
What is the section 21 rule and what are your rights as a renter
THE law – known as Section 21 – means a landlord can ask you to move out with two months notice, without needing a particular reason.
- The first step of every procedure is the section 21 notice – a letter of notification that the landlord must serve to the tenant, prior to the eviction. The notice to quit is purely informational and doesn’t carry any legal power.
- If you’ve got a good relationship with your landlord, it might be worth asking them if you can stay in your home for longer. Send a letter to your landlord explaining your situation and keep a copy of any reply you get.
- Your landlord can’t make you leave your home unless they’ve gone to court to get a possession order and a warrant for eviction.
- You might be able to challenge your eviction and stay in your home.
- A section 8 notice can require you to move sooner, but can only be served if the landlord has a reason, such as you breaking the terms of your tenancy.
- New rules introduced in October 2015 have made it harder to evict you for reporting problems with the property.
- If you’re asked to leave because you’ve asked for repairs then you should see advice immediately.
- You can find more tips on how to challenge your eviction on Citizens Advice.
The government had promised back in 2019 that it would scrap this no-fault eviction clause, but Boris Johnson today confirmed he will bring forward this legislation.
Universal basic income is an idea the PM said “will certainly be considered” to tide people over during the outbreak of coronavirus.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, 70, was also on the front benches despite being in the at-risk group of Brits.
Speaker Linsday Hoyle told MPs that there were “significantly” fewer people in the Chamber today.
He told them: “We are all doing our best to keep parliament sitting and follow public health guidance.”
Boris also revealed Britain was ramping up measures to test 25,000 people a day for the deadly bug in the future – but didn’t say when.
The NHS is testing around 5,000 per day at the moment, but only those in intensive care and cluster outbreaks are getting tested.
YOUR RIGHTS AS A TENANT
A landlord can ONLY evict a tenant if one of the following takes place:
- He/she wishes to live there as a primary residence
- A mortgage lender wants to take possession
- Tenant has at least 8 week of rent arrears
- Rent is peristantly overdue
- Brench of any term in tenancy agreement
- Condition of property has deteriorated
- Tenant or other occupant is guilty of nuisance
The PM said Britain was getting close to a test for people which would show if they already HAD the disease, too.
Boris also said the government was making sure NHS doctors had enough personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep them safe, after medical staff said they were “scared” for their lives.
He said: “We currently have stockpiles of PPE but are making huge efforts to make sure we have enough.”
The number of MPs allowed into the House of Commons while the PM faces questions was drastically scaled back.
Deputy Government chief whip Stewart Andrew told MP’s in an email that access to the House of Commons during PMQs will be limited to anyone listed on the Parliamentary Order Paper.
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Boris cancelled mass gatherings earlier this week, leading many to question whether having around 650 MPs in the House of Commons will cause the deadly virus to spread through Westminster.
The PM will continue to show his face in public as the country cries out for answers and information on COVID-19 and cases soar to 1,950, with 71 deaths.
A nine-month-year-old baby is one of the latest confirmed cases.
A 45-year-old man became the youngest Brit to be killed by the virus.
The PM is also giving daily televised press briefings with his Chief Medical Officers to ensure Brits can easily access the most up to date information.
The drastic measures taken to slow the spread of the virus include:
- social distancing and working remotely for everyone
- Those over 70 years old or with serious health conditions should distance themselves from others for 12 weeks from this weekend
- directions to avoid pubs, clubs, restaurants and theatres
The government also brought in a massive £330billion package to rescue the British economy, including cash injections of up to £25,000 for small businesses.
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