Welsh Government extend possession ban to end of June

The possession ban in Wales is to be extended from the end of March to 30 June, the Welsh Government have announced today, with the Minister continuing to monitor the regulations every three weeks.

The NRLA does not expect an early end to the ban, especially given the Senedd election is less than two months away.

The ban means those who have been left with the substantial debt of a tenant during or even before the pandemic will have continued to bear the financial brunt.

There are exemptions in cases of anti-social behaviour (ASB), trespass, and abandonment. The NRLA has expressed its disappointment that there is no exemption for significant arrears given the financial pressure landlords like Yvonne or Ian and Glenys have been under.

The NRLA believes such an exemption, which in currently in place in England, is reasonable given the high threshold of six months’ rent is difficult to accrue. 

Notice periods are currently at six months in Wales, but those citing anti-social behaviour have returned to pre-pandemic durations.

• 26 March-23 July: all notices three months
• 24 July 2020 onwards: all notices six months (but ASB still three)
• 29 September onwards: ASB returns to pre-pandemic length (Section 8, Grounds 7A and 14)

NRLA Wales continues to make the case to the Welsh Government that the current situation is unsustainable, and possession bans merely delay the inevitable.

We are calling for a significant arrears’ exemption to the possession ban, a clear timetable for transitioning our of extended notice periods, and widened access to the Tenancy Saver Loan so support reaches those who need it.

• Read about the Tenancy Saver Loan and our factsheet here.
• Read about our calls regarding coronavirus in Wales here.
• Read our guidance regarding coronavirus in Wales here.
• Read the Welsh Government’s guidance for landlords here.