In partnership with
By Daniel Winslow, Partner & Head of Leasehold Services
There is no denying that the coronavirus pandemic has had an enormous impact on the private rental market in the UK and that is due in no small measure to the Coronavirus Act 2020 and satellite legislation that has arisen since. Landlords will be well aware that should they wish to serve a section 21 notice (a no fault notice) on their tenant then from 29th August 2020 to 31 March 2021 the notice period will need to be 6 months. The same applies to serving a section 8 notice (the fault based notice), subject to certain very specific exceptions.This position stands to remain the standard until the 31st March 2021, following which the notice periods should (if no further legislation is created) return to normal. For a section 21 notice that will mean giving 2 months' notice to their tenant. For a section 8 notice that will mean serving the notice period required depending on the specific ground you are relying upon under the Housing Act 1988. For rent arrears for example that will normally be 14 days.If you are having difficulty with your tenant and or are owed rent arrears due to your tenant failing to pay you the rent during this pandemic and are worried about what to do then please contact us. Our expert legal team has over 25 years of expertise in this area and is on hand to help as necessary. It is important that you are fully aware of your rights as a landlord and are prepared for when the restrictions are lifted so that you can act without further delay.Healys Leasehold solicitors can advise and assist you with leasehold enfranchisement services. If you require any further information, please don't hesitate to contact Healys Leasehold services team.