Government issue proposal to extend the current forfeiture moratorium

On the 16th September 2020 the Government issued a proposal to extend the current forfeiture moratorium until the end of this year, in order to provide more time for stressed tenants to make some recovery from the problems experienced during the prolonged lock down period.

Currently landlords are prevented until the end of September, from taking forfeiture action to terminate a lease due to non-payment of rent by the tenant, so although no formal amendment to the current legislation under s82 of the Coronavirus Act has yet been made this is certainly expected to be put in force in the next couple of weeks.

Whilst this may well be welcome news for struggling tenants, landlords will be very concerned at the possible serious further depletion of their own financial resources, especially as it seems that tenants who can afford to pay are deciding not to do so, despite the Code of Conduct introduced by the Government which requires the parties to any lease to act “in good faith” in their negotiations over any rent payment concessions

This article is written as a general guide and believed correct at the date of publication. If you need further or more specific information relating to your situation from our residential property solicitors, please get in touch with us.