Shelter Cymru is warning about a surge in evictions of private renters in Wales as coronavirus restrictions come to an end.
The charity fears that some private landlords and agents will see a four-month legislative window between this week and July as a final opportunity to evict tenants at short notice, whether to sell a property or let it to new tenants on more insecure terms.
Eviction notice periods reduced from six months to two months this week as the Coronavirus Act 2020 came to an end.
However, notice periods for no-fault evictions will go back up to six months permanently for new tenants when the Renting Homes (Wales) Act 2016 comes into force on July 15.
Shelter Cymru says its casework is already showing a 78 per cent rise in no-fault eviction notices compared to the period before the pandemic and now it fears a further rise and increased pressure on homelessness services.
Writing for Nation Cymru, chief executive Ruth Power said: ‘We know through our casework that landlords are being advised to ‘evict while they can’ during this four-month window. Landlords may think they can turn around a quick eviction and get new tenants in before the new law comes into force. But the reality is that eviction may well end up taking longer– in which case, not only will tenants be put at risk of avoidable homelessness, but landlords may find they need to very quickly get to grips with how to let under the welcome new law in place from 15 July, which gives more security to tenants.’
She said tenants facing evictions at short notice through no fault of their own will experience huge stress and uncertainty and may have to fall back on homelessness services as a last resource.
‘We understand that the Covid regulations couldn’t last forever, but the timing is deeply unfortunate, placing many tenants in a vulnerable position between one protection ending and another beginning. We are concerned about the people who will be caught in the gap. Anyone who is confused or worried about their housing situation should contact Shelter Cymru for free, independent advice at www.sheltercymru.org.uk.’