Renters will be protected from eviction during the coronavirus outbreak – here’s how

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that private renters will be protected against eviction while the coronavirus outbreak continues.

With quarantine measures and illness likely to force many people out of work in the coming weeks, new legislation is to be introduced to prevent this from leaving those unable to pay their rent homeless.

The legislation is expected to pass through Westminster and be consented to by Holyrood within the coming week.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new legislation.

How will the new legislation protect renters?

On Wednesday 18 March, a statement on the government’s website announced “The government has announced a radical package of measures to protect renters and landlords affected by coronavirus. As a result, no renter in either social or private accommodation will be forced out of their home during this difficult time.”

The emergency legislation will prevent landlords from beginning the proceedings to evict tenants for at least the next three months. This applies to both renters in social and private accommodation.“As a result of these measures, no renters in private or social accommodation needs to be concerned about the threat of eviction” the statement says.

The new legislation will also widen the “pre-action protocol” on possession proceedings to include private renters – meaning that private landlords looking to begin possession proceedings will have to engage with their tenants more extensively first.