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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We are delighted to share that Woodstock Legal Services has been shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year - South of England at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2026 . We are also proud to see Bethany Hudson , one of our Consultant Licensed Conveyancers, shortlisted for Rising Star of the Year. With our head office in Poole, Dorset, we are proud of our roots in the South West and the relationships we have built within the region’s property community. These shortlists recognise both the strength of our Residential Property team and the people behind the scenes who support our clients throughout their property journey. At Woodstock Legal Services, our focus has always been on building a conveyancing service that works for both our clients and our consultants. By bringing together experienced conveyancers with dedicated back-office support and the right infrastructure, we aim to make the process of buying and selling property as straightforward as possible, while giving our lawyers the flexibility and support to deliver excellent client care. Our connection to the South West remains an important part of who we are. Through relationships with local property professionals and organisations such as Poole Property Club , we continue to build connections within the property market while supporting clients across England and Wales. Over the past year, our Residential Property team has continued to grow, supported by investment in our people, processes and technology. Our dedicated back-office teams play an equally important role, helping keep transactions moving so our conveyancers can focus on their clients and the legal work that matters most. Being shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year in the South of England is a recognition of the collective effort behind our service, from the conveyancers working directly with clients to the teams supporting them behind the scenes. Car Jermyn Managing Director of Woodstock Legal Services, added: " I’m incredibly proud to see Woodstock Legal Services shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year and Bethany Hudson recognised as a Rising Star. Both awards reflect the quality of our lawyers and the commitment of the wider team supporting them. It’s great to see the work happening across our business recognised, particularly in the South of England, where our roots are firmly established. " A growing modern law firm As we continue to grow, we are always keen to speak with experienced lawyers who want to work differently, be properly supported, and be part of a collaborative community. Behind every successful consultant is the right firm. Click here to see why consultants choose Woodstock.
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