More Changes to Notice Periods

The Coronavirus Act 202 (Residential Tenancies and Notices) (Amendment and Suspension) (England) Regulations 2021 were published on 9th September 2021. The Regulations come into force on 1st October 2021.    

The main changes are that the Notice period extension provisions are suspended, and Notice periods go back to pre-Coronavirus Act 2020 notice periods from 1st October 2021.  There are also new standard forms to be used; Form 3 (Section 8 Notice) and Form 6(A) (Section 21 Notice) both of which must be used from 1st October 2021 which will take into account the changes 

The Notice periods from 1st October 2021 are as follows: 

• Grounds 1, 2, 5, 7, 9 and 16 – 2 months’ notice
• Grounds 3, 4, 6, 7b, 13, 14A, 14ZA, 15 and 17 – 2 weeks’ notice
• Ground 12 (breach of tenancy) – 2 weeks’ notice
• Grounds 8,10 or 11 (rent arrears) – 2 weeks’ notice (unless a breathing space has started)
• Ground 7 (after death of tenant) – 2 months’ notice
• Grounds 7A (mandatory ASB/conviction) – 28 days periodic or 1 month fixed term notice
• Ground 14 (ASB) – No notice period
  

The Notice to Quit remains the same and it is back to 2 months’ notice for a S21 Notice.  

What do you need to do? 

1. Make sure that from 1st October the new forms are used, and the correct notice period is given  
2. Make sure that all old forms and precedents are removed from your systems
3. Update any internal procedures and policies to reflect the changes
4. Contact us if you have any questions