The Law Society says it’s concerned about how the government will taper the end of the eviction ban, now extended until late May. 

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick says what follows the end of the ban will depend on the success of Coronavirus measures and the government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

The Law Society has given the measure a guarded welcome but president David Greene says: “We welcome the news that some tenants who are struggling and would otherwise be facing eviction will be able to stay in their homes until the summer, particularly given the lockdown, the new variants of the virus and the vaccine programme working its way across England.

“However, it should be noted that those with significant rent arrears are exempt from the ban, and, as time goes on, it’s likely that more tenants will be evicted as a result of increasing amounts of overdue rent.

“Eventually, fewer tenants will be protected by the ban and may become homeless.

“When the government begins to taper off these measures on June 1 it needs to ensure protection is given to both tenants and landlords and ensure legal aid is available to as many tenants as possible.”

Greene says the tapering of the ban suggests eviction cases may again begin to be heard in civil courts.