Cheshire East Council has warned tenants that a Government ban on evictions during the Covid-19 pandemic has come to an end.
Government guidance strongly advises landlords not to commence or continue eviction proceedings without a very good reason.
And some changes to the legislation will continue until March 28, 2021.
These are:
● A landlord must give a minimum of six months’ notice, and when this expires would need to go to court as a tenant cannot be asked to leave a property without a court order
● If proceedings are ongoing the landlord would need to re-activate the case by contacting the court. They would have to provide information about the tenant regarding the effect of COVID-19 on the household and any vulnerabilities or need to shield.
Tenants struggling to pay rent or homeowners struggling to pay a mortgage should contact their landlord or mortgage provider initially to discuss the circumstances and to try and find a solution.
This could include things such as a payment holiday or an agreement to pay back any arrears over a period of time.
Residents who have lost their job or have had their income reduced may be entitled to claim benefits.
There are on-line calculators to help work out which benefits you may be entitled to, visit https://www.gov.uk/benefits-calculators
Cllr Nick Mannion, Cheshire East Cabinet Member for Environment and Regeneration, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many people, sadly the situation has resulted in some residents becoming unemployed or struggling financially.
“Government legislation provided extra protection for tenants for the past six months.
“This has now changed so it’s important those who maybe continuing to struggle seek advice and support as soon as possible.
“I would urge residents to speak to their landlord or mortgage provider as early as possible so that a solution may be found, and to check if they are entitled to any benefits as a result of a change in circumstances.”
Anyone who receives a notice from a landlord or are struggling with housing issues should contact the council on 0300 123 5017 (option 1) for advice or email [email protected]
If you are homeless or have concerns about someone who is homeless, telephone 0300 123 5017 (option 2).
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