Response to extension of the eviction ban

Catherine Ryder, Director of Policy and Research at the National Housing Federation, said:

"The extension to the ban on evictions is welcome news for people living in the private rented sector, preventing many who have lost jobs and income as a result of the crisis from also losing their homes.

"No one should be evicted because of coronavirus and housing associations will continue to act compassionately in the face of the long term impact of the crisis. They have put extra measures in place to support their residents financially, including setting up charitable funds, helping people claim the benefits they’re entitled to, and retraining extra staff to provide one-to-one support.

"Even once the ban is lifted, housing associations have pledged that no one will be evicted from their home as a result of financial hardship caused by coronavirus as long as residents make contact with their landlord to agree a manageable way to move forward.

"It is important to remember that for social landlords, evictions are always a last resort but are unfortunately sometimes necessary to protect residents and communities, for example in instances of domestic abuse and serious cases of ASB. These cases must be prioritised once the ban on evictions is lifted."