Lockdown update: Courts will remain open but bailiff appointments suspended until mid-January 2021
c.jermyn • November 3, 2020
It's fair to say that this year has been particularly tough on landlords but when the Court stay on evictions lifted on the 20th September, there was at least some light at the end of the tunnel. It was hoped that this would be the turning point and that things would start getting easier for landlords from there on. Unfortunately, with numbers of confirmed COVID-19 cases spiking the pandemic has not yet released its grip and once again, landlords are finding themselves in another difficult predicament.
It was announced last week that the UK would be entering a 4 week national lockdown beginning on the 5 November until 2 December 2020. Whilst Boris Johnson suggests that it will not be extended further, only time will tell, but it is hoped that this 4 week lockdown will enable a break in the pandemic and give everyone some form of normality over the Christmas holidays.
The good news
The courts will remain open over the 4 week national lockdown. You will be able to issue claims and it is anticipated any scheduled hearings will go ahead.
The bad news
At present, bailiff appointments are not taking place in locations listed as Tier 2 and 3 of the Governments recently announced three tier COVID response system. Bailiff appointments in Tier 1 locations were taking place however, this is now set to change. The Government have announced that no bailiff appointments will take place between the 4 November until 2 December 2020. This could be extended further depending whether the national lockdown is increased further.
Even if the national lockdown isn't extended further there is also a 'Christmas Truce' on bailiff evictions between 11 December 2020 until 11 January 2021 unless there are 'exceptional circumstances' i.e. significant anti-social behaviour or domestic violence.
There is no denying that these are really challenging times for landlords but Woodstock Property Law is here to help. Our highly experienced and expert team is here to help you through these unprecedented times so give us a call and we’ll be happy to advise and assist you further.
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