Ban on eviction orders in Scotland to be extended to 31 March 2021

Scottish Government says extension will be subject to review every three weeks to 'ensure it remains necessary to protect against the spread of coronavirus'

The ban on eviction orders in Scotland is to be extended to 31 March 2021.

The temporary ban on enforcement - which was due to expire on 22 January 2021 - applies to all evictions in areas subject to level 3 or 4 restrictions, except cases of serious anti-social behaviour, including domestic abuse.

The Scottish Government announced today that regulations will be laid on 14 January 2021 to extend the current ban, subject to review every three weeks to ensure it remains necessary to protect against the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), until 31 March 2021.

Commenting on the extension, Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said - 

'Extending the temporary ban on the enforcement of eviction orders in the private and social rented sectors in areas subject to level 3 and 4 restrictions will support tenants, and offer people protection from transmission of the virus by being able to stay safe in their homes.

It will also prevent additional burdens being placed on health and housing services during a time where they are already working hard due to the impact of the pandemic. This is a proportionate response to an extremely challenging set of circumstances.

In the case of serious anti-social or criminal behaviour – including domestic abuse – eviction orders can still be enforced.

We have been clear that no landlord should evict a tenant because they have suffered financial hardship due to the pandemic. Tenants in difficulty should engage with their landlord and seek advice on the options open to them.'

For more information, see Eviction ban extended from gov.scot