Rental evictions to restart in England next month - and landlords will be able to give less notice

The temporary ban had already been scheduled to end then, but over the past year it has been extended several times. However, housing minister Christopher Pincher confirmed on Thursday (12 May) that eviction notices can once more be given from 1 June - although bailiffs have been asked not to carry out an eviction if anyone living in the property has Covid-19 symptoms or is self-isolating.

In addition, from 1 June until at least the end of September, landlords will only have to give four months' notice of eviction, instead of the six months required since the start of the pandemic. After this period - so likely from 1 October - notice periods will return to what they were pre-pandemic, when landlords were required to typically give two months' notice.From 1 June there will continue to be some exceptions where four months' notice isn't required however, including if eviction is for anti-social behaviour (in which case landlords can give immediate or up to four weeks' notice) or the death of a tenant (two months' notice). Notice periods for cases where there is four or more months’ of unpaid rent will reduce to two months’ notice from 1 August. See full details on Gov.uk.  

Announcing the move, Mr Pincher said: "As Covid restrictions are eased in line with the roadmap out of lockdown, we will ensure tenants continue to be supported with longer notice periods, while also balancing the need for landlords to access justice."

Earlier this week, the Government revealed plans to further consult on the possible abolition of Section 21 'no-fault' evictions in England, which is where private landlords can evict tenants once their fixed-term contract has ended, without giving a reason.

For more help on your rights as a renter, see our 50+ Tips for Renters and Coronavirus Finance and Bills Help guides.

Rental eviction bans are also in place in Scotland and Wales

Here's a quick summary of the current situation in the rest of the UK:

• In Scotland, a similar rental eviction ban has been extended to 30 September for anyone living in areas with level 3 or 4 restrictions, though this is reviewed every 21 days so could end sooner. Most tenants need to be given six months' notice. 

• In Wales, a ban is now in place until 30 June. Most tenants need to be given six months' notice. 

• In Northern Ireland, there is no ban on evictions. Until 30 September, landlords must give 12 weeks' notice of eviction.