Don’t become homeless – seek advice before it’s too late
Published: 3 June 2021
People at risk of being evicted from their homes are being urged to seek advice before it’s too late.
The message comes from Exeter City Council just days after a nationwide ban on rental property evictions carried out by bailiffs – brought in because of the Covid-19 pandemic – came to an end.
On 31 May, the government’s ban on bailiff evictions, ended. The ban was brought in to prevent people becoming homeless during the global pandemic.
Despite the ending of the ban, most tenants will still be entitled to a notice period of four months (or six months if the notice was served before 1 June) until at the end of September, when the ‘section 21’ notice period reverts to two months. More information can be found on Shelter’s website at Housing advice: coronavirus (COVID-19) - Shelter England
However Cllr Ruth Williams, Lead Councillor for Supporting People, said: “It’s more important than ever for people to make contact with our housing teams before they become homeless.
“We are working hard with landlords to help their tenants. Unfortunately there will always be occasions when a landlord needs to evict a tenant. However for the most part evictions can be avoided, ensuring that landlords are protected from risk of loss and tenants can be protected from homelessness.
“If your landlord has asked you to leave your rented property or given you a notice to quit, please contact us for advice and support,” added Cllr Williams.
And the City Council is calling on landlords to play their part too.
Cllr Williams said: “If you are a landlord and have tenants who are struggling to pay their rent and at risk of homelessness then, with their permission, please refer them to us so we can help prevent homelessness and costly and lengthy court processes for you.
“Problems with a tenancy can occur for a number of reasons. These include a change in working hours for a tenant, a health crisis and even a change in circumstances for a landlord. We recognise that the needs of both landlords and tenants are equally important. We would never want to ignore either and we would never want to see a landlord put at financial disadvantage.
“The message for tenants and landlords is the same: please get in contact with us if there is a risk of a tenancy breaking down and people becoming homeless. Don’t leave it until it is too late.”
For more information please see the our website to contact us for advice at https://exeter.gov.uk/housing/housing-homelessness-prevention-and-advice/contacting-us-for-housing-advice/