IMPORTANT change to arrears process.
Evictions paperwork must now include ‘breathing space’ scheme details.
From today, Tuesday 4th May, Section 8 notices must include details of debt respite scheme for tenants.
The new scheme has a huge impact on the current processes followed by agents and landlords when taking action against rent arrears. If you’re dealing with rent debt, be aware of the changes it will bring.
What does the update mean for you?
All landlords, agents and solicitors must now include details of the Breathing Space scheme within documentation when seeking to gain possession. If you don’t, the eviction could be rejected.
Anyone who serves a notice using the incorrect Section 8 template runs the risk of having their case rejected on a technicality.
Be aware!
If you sent out a notice last week, it may not be deemed served until today.
This means it will be invalid without the new information. In this case, notices should be re-served as soon as the new Section 8 notice template is available.
What is the Breathing Space scheme?
The Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) gives tenants in problem debt the right to legal protections from their creditors for up to 60 days. It doesn’t cancel the debt and it isn’t a payment holiday, but it puts on hold any enforcement action and gives debtors ‘breathing space’ to find solutions.
Find out everything you need to know here.
If you need help with your Sectio 8 application, call our legal team on 0344 567 4001.
