Eviction Ban
A government-imposed moratorium on enforcing possession orders, used during the COVID-19 pandemic. No eviction ban is in force as of 2026. Bailiffs can enforce possession orders once 14 days' notice has been given.
At a glance
- Status (2026)
- Not in force
- Last used
- COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021)
- Enforcement notice
- 14 days bailiff notice
Full guide
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Open full guideWhy Eviction Ban matters for landlords
Eviction bans are a political tool, not a routine part of the PRS. The 2020–2021 ban is the most recent and is still cited in tenant-rights advocacy. For 2026 possession planning, assume bailiff enforcement is available 14 days after an order, and build rent-guarantee / insurance around that timeline rather than around a theoretical future moratorium.
Official sources
LetCompliance editorial reviews this entry every quarter against the sources above. Always confirm specific duties with a qualified solicitor or your local council.
Related terms
Renters Rights Act 2025
UK legislation that received Royal Assent in 2025 and came fully into force on 1 May 2026. Abolished Section 21 no-fault evictions, converted all ASTs to periodic tenancies, extended the Decent Homes Standard to the PRS, introduced a private rented sector database and gave tenants the right to request pets.
Section 21 Notice
The no-fault eviction notice under Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. Abolished for new notices from 1 May 2026 under the Renters Rights Act 2025. Landlords must now use Section 8 with a specified ground.
Arrears (Rent Arrears)
Unpaid rent that is past its due date. Ground 8 of Schedule 2 to the Housing Act 1988 (mandatory) requires at least 3 months of rent arrears under the Renters Rights Act 2025 (previously 2 months). Grounds 10 and 11 remain as discretionary grounds.
EICR (Electrical Installation Condition Report)
A formal inspection of the fixed electrical installation, wiring, consumer unit, sockets and light fittings, by a qualified electrician. Required every 5 years for all private rented properties in England under the Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020. Maximum civil penalty: £30,000 per property.
EPC (Energy Performance Certificate)
A certificate rating a property's energy efficiency from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). Rental properties in England must meet at least an E. Properties rated F or G cannot be legally let under MEES. An EPC is valid for 10 years. Maximum fine: £5,000 per property.
EPC C Proposal
A government proposal to raise the minimum EPC rating for rental properties in England from E to C. As of 2026 this is still a proposal, not law, but draft secondary legislation targets new tenancies by 2028 and all tenancies by 2030. Landlords should plan upgrades but verify current requirements on GOV.UK.