Ban on landlords evicting tenants from homes extended until March

A ban on landlords evicting tenants from rented homes in Wales is set to be extended.

The ban came into force on December 11 and was due to last until January 11, but this has been extended until March 31 by Welsh Government.

The ban has been introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As part of the extension, all evictions will be banned, apart from those related to antisocial behaviour and domestic violence.

The rules apply to both private and social rented accommodation.

Welsh Government’s Housing Minister, Julie James, said: “This is an extremely difficult time for many people and renters should not be forced out of their homes, at a time when we are asking people to stay at home and when they will have less access to advice, support and alternative accommodation.”

However, Welsh Government has reiterated that these protections should not be used as an excuse for people not to pay rent if they are able to.

The regulations, which will be subject to a confirmatory vote in the Senedd, will be kept under review by Welsh Government.