SFHA responds to extension of eviction order ban
Temporary ban on eviction orders will be extended until the end of March. Exemptions remain in place for criminal or serious anti-social behaviour, including domestic abuse.
The Scottish Government has announced today (Thursday 7 January) that its temporary ban on eviction orders will be extended until the end of March.
Regulations will be laid in the Scottish Parliament on 14 January to extend the current ban, which is in place at present until 22 January. The extended ban will apply to all evictions in areas subject to level 3 or 4 restrictions, except those involving criminal or serious anti-social behaviour, including domestic abuse. The government said it will review the ban every three weeks to ensure it remains necessary to protect against the spread of Covid-19, and it will remain in force until 31 March.
Sally Thomas, SFHA Chief Executive said: “It is absolutely the right thing to do that we look after people’s health and wellbeing 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. We are pleased that the government has kept the exemptions in place for such incidences.
“It’s vital that tenants who can pay their rent do so. Rental income is crucial for housing associations and co-operatives as it comprises the majority of their income. It allows them to provide support and services for tenants and to carry out essential repairs and maintenance work.
“We welcome the government encouraging people who are struggling to pay their rent to speak to their landlord. Housing associations and co-operatives have worked hard to support their tenants to pay their rent and to cope with the financial effects of the pandemic, for example, with welfare rights advice and tenancy sustainment services, and they will continue to do so.”