Renters fearful of losing their homes

Thousands of private renters are worried about losing their home, according to a survey by a housing charity.

Shelter say the ban on bailiff-enforced rental evictions ending on Monday, May 31, has 22% of renters in England worried that they will lose or be asked to leave their current home at short notice.

The charity’s survey also shows 40% saying their previous experience of finding and trying to keep a home makes them worry about finding another one in the future.

Notice periods - previously extended to six months as an emergency measure during the pandemic - will be set at four months from June 1.

Polly Neate, of Shelter, said: "The lifting of the eviction ban signals the beginning of the end for many renters facing homelessness. Thousands of people will wake up on June 1 knowing they'll soon be kicked out of their home, with nowhere to go.

"The ban has been a lifeline for private renters during the pandemic. But what happens now?

"Longer notice periods, while they last, will give some worried renters valuable time. But come September, anyone facing eviction will have just weeks to find somewhere else to live."

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has said that renters will continue to be supported as national Covid-19 restrictions ease.

StepChange debt charity chief executive Phil Andrew said: "Support from Government has been important in helping people through the pandemic, but there are clear gaps in support.”