The temporary ban on bailiffs enforcing evictions is currently set to be lifted at the end of May. If you’re a private renter and have fallen behind on your rent payments, you may be affected. Our advice is to take action now to prevent the situation from getting worse following the expected removal of the ban.
We, at Citizens Advice Bury and Bolton, are encouraging private renters to check if they’ve fallen into rent arrears and to seek help as soon as possible before the ban on bailiffs enforcing evictions is lifted. This is an issue that affects an estimated half a million renters in arrears across the UK, meaning that many people will need help and support once the ban is lifted.
What do I need to do?
If you’re a private renter and you’ve missed rent payments, your landlord or letting agency could try to evict you. Falling into rent arrears can be stressful, but it’s important to take action early to stop the situation getting worse.
The ban on bailiff enforced evictions is expected to be lifted at the end of May, which means private landlords and letting agencies will soon be able to enforce evictions for tenants. If you’re a private tenant and you’ve fallen behind on rent payments, it’s important to take action now to avoid being at risk of eviction from your home.
If you think you may be in rent arrears, you can take steps to understand your situation. You can check how much you owe and who is responsible for paying back rent arrears. You’re not alone – an estimated half a million private renters in the UK have fallen into rent arrears.
You can also check whether you’re entitled to benefits and other financial support, particularly if your financial situation has changed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
If you receive an eviction notice from your landlord, you can check that they have followed the correct rules. You should also talk to one of our advisers as soon as possible by calling 0808 278 7804.
Where can I get support?
If you’ve fallen into rent arrears, it’s a good idea to access information and support as early as you can, both to stop the situation from getting worse and to reduce the negative effects that debt can have on your wellbeing. You can call our dedicated team on 0808 278 7804 for help.
You can also complete the referral form on our website and a member of the team will call you back.
You can talk to your landlord and explain why you have fallen behind on rent payments, for example if you have lost income due to the coronavirus pandemic. Your landlord may agree to a repayment plan so that you can repay the arrears over time, rather than all at once.
If your landlord doesn’t agree to a repayment plan, or you do not want to speak to them about your rent, you can still access support.
How can Citizens Advice Bury and Bolton help?
Our dedicated team can support Bury and Bolton residents with your advice queries, including help with rent arrears and the eviction process. We are encouraging residents to take action now, rather than waiting for the bailiff enforced eviction ban to be lifted.
Whatever your situation, our team can help you to find a way forward. You can call us on 0808 278 7804 (freephone) or attend a video drop-in session to speak to one of our dedicated advisers, or complete the referral form on our website.
From 24th May, our in-person face-to-face drop-in will be returning (subject to any change in local restrictions due to covid-19). If you need help with a housing issue, just drop in (no pre-booked appointment needed):
Monday 10am – 3pm in Bury
Tuesday 10am – 3pm in Bolton