Welsh Government announces intention to extend six month notice of eviction requirement to March 2021

However, Housing Minister also confirms that new regulations will restore notice period for possession on domestic abuse or anti-social behaviour grounds to pre-COVID-19 position

The Welsh Government has confirmed that it intends to extend the six-month notice of eviction requirement - that was introduced by the Coronavirus Act 2020 (Assured Tenancies and Assured Shorthold Tenancies, Extension of Notice Periods) (Amendment) (Wales) Regulations 2020 (SI.No.778/2020) - to March 2021.

In a statement to the Welsh Parliament yesterday, Housing Minister Julie James said that she welcomes the UK Government's decision to extend the stay on possession proceedings in England and Wales until 20 September 2020, and that -

'Using the powers available to me under the Coronavirus Act 2020, I have acted to give additional protection to renters by increasing notice periods for eviction to six months, other than in relation to anti-social behaviour. I was pleased to note that the UK Government has since made similar changes. I am committed to ensuring that we continue to protect renters whilst at the same time mitigating impacts on landlords. Therefore, I intend making regulations extending the current protections until the end of March next year.

At the same time, and in recognition of the need to address the impact on communities of anti-social and other negative behaviour in a timely manner, I intend reducing the notice periods for possession grounds relating to anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse to the pre-COVID position.'

Ms James also confirmed that, where rent arrears have accumulated due to COVID-19, private rented sector tenants will be able to apply for help through the Tenant Saver Loan Scheme which opens for applications later this month, and that the Welsh Government has provided an additional £1.4 million for services that support people to manage problem debt and improve their household income.

Ms James' statement to the Welsh Parliament is available from gov.wales