A ban on evictions could end in Wales in under six weeks.
On March 31, the Welsh Government extended its ban on evictions until the end of June. Unlike evections bans in across the border in England, there are no exceptions for evicting tenants in extreme arrears.
The ban was brought in due to the enormous financial pressure on may renters during the coronavirus crisis as many people lost jobs or saw significant reductions in their income.
The ban is currently set for the end of June but has already been extended several times since last summer.
When WalesOnline approached the Welsh Government they said that a review of the current regulations will be assessed at the next three week coronavirus review at the start of June (they are legally entitled to do this). This means that there is a possibility that the ban could be extended further.
From June 30, laws meaning the landlords have an obligation to provide a six month notice period to tenants before making a possession claim (except in relation to anti-social behaviour and domestic violence) will also end though this will also be reviewed.
In a written statement at the last review in March then housing minister Julie James (who now has a broader brief as minister for climate change) said: "Taken together, these two sets of regulations will support the Welsh Government’s continuing public health response to coronavirus by helping to reduce the number of people evicted, or at risk of being evicted, into homelessness, and particularly street homelessness, where their potential vulnerability to the virus, and the likelihood of them spreading it, is increased. This will be particularly important in the context of new variants of the virus increasing its transmissibility or the severity of its impact, or a potential third wave or local spikes occurring during the period where restrictions are being relaxed."
Landlord groups have said there is not enough protection for them from problem, or non-paying tenants.
In her statement Ms James said that "extending these temporary protections for a further period of time may cause difficulties for some landlords in the private rented sector" but added "however our overriding priority must be the protection of public health at this time."
The six month notice periods applies to a range of tenants including:
- assured shorthold tenants
- assured tenants
- regulated tenants
- secure council tenants
- introductory tenants
- demoted tenants
You can find more details on the Shelter Cymru website here.
