At the end of last year the Scottish Government introduced a temporary ban on evictions between 11th December 2020 and 22nd January 2021. However, due to a surge in COVID-19 case, the eviction ban has now been extended.
To stop people from needing to find a new home or move in with a different household, the Scottish Government has decided to extend the regulations which prevent bailiffs from enforcing eviction notices until 31st March.
The ban on evictions applies to all areas subject to Tier 3 and 4 restrictions, which currently is the whole of Scotland.
Commenting on the news, Scottish Housing Minister, Kevin Stewart said that extending the ban on the enforcement of eviction orders in the private and social rented sectors “will support tenants and offer people protection from transmission of the virus by being able to stay safe in their homes.”
He added: “It will also prevent additional burdens being placed on health and housing services during a time where they are already working hard due to the impact of the pandemic. This is a proportionate response to an extremely challenging set of circumstances.”
Exemptions from eviction ban
It is important to stress, that in any cases of criminal or serious anti-social behaviour, including domestic abuse, eviction notices can still be enforced.
Chief Executive at the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, Sally Thomas, said: “We are pleased that the government has kept the exemptions in place for such incidences.
“It is absolutely the right thing to do that we look after people’s health and well-being and we protect tenants who are struggling to pay their rent as a result of the financial effects of COVID-19, but it is of paramount importance that our members can act when there are cases of serious anti-social or criminal behaviour.”
The eviction ban is subject to review every three weeks to ensure it remains necessary to protect the public against the spread of the virus.
