End of Covid protection looms for renters

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. “The government passed an emergency law in March that restricts landlords from evicting their tenants over the next three months, but this buffer period expires on 25 June.” Although ministers have said they will look to extend it, no formal announcement has yet been made, leaving tenants unsure what their rights may be. The government has committed to preventing anyone losing their home as a result of the pandemic but we’re still in the dark about what comes next.” Unsustainable debt It may seem that the obvious right thing to do for tenants is to extend the no-eviction period in a similar way to the extension to the mortgage holiday scheme. “The government must insist on conditions to this scheme to prevent renters racking up unsustainable debt to their landlord.” Financial pressure Of course, landlords are not immune to the financial fallout of Covid-19 any more than their tenants are. Salman Haqqi adds: “It’s worth bearing in mind that landlords may also be facing financial pressures if they need to make mortgage payments on their property, and tenants should continue to pay their rent if they can afford it.