Published: 1st June 2021
Area: Corporate & Commercial
Blog
June 2021 - key dates for businesses and individuals
1 June marks the start of a number of major changes coming up in the real estate and employment landscapes that businesses and individuals need to be aware of.
Changes to possession proceedings – 1 June
An end to the eviction ban
As of today (1 June), landlords can once again apply to evict tenants. The eviction ban was introduced by the government at the start of the pandemic to protect people from losing their homes in such a turbulent period. However, for landlords this ban has meant a strain on cash flow, putting some into difficult financial circumstances, especially for those owed large amounts of unpaid rent.
Although evictions are now able to take place once more, landlords must give 14 days’ notice and, due to COVID-19 safety concerns, bailiffs are being asked not to carry out evictions if anyone living in the property has COVID-19 symptoms or is self-isolating.
Reduced notice periods
The government has also set out to shorten notice periods for landlords seeking possessions. Also form today (1 June), the current six-month notice period will be shortened to just four months. Although the current exceptions will still be applicable, there are a number of key changes for grounds of possession and their notices, including:
- Anti-social behaviour (immediate to four weeks’ notice)
- Domestic abuse in the social sector (two to four weeks’ notice)
- False statement (two to four weeks’ notice)
- Four months’ or more accumulated rent arrears (four weeks’ notice)
- Breach of immigration rules ‘Right to Rent’ (two weeks’ notice)
- Death of a tenant (two months’ notice)
Read more about the changes in our blog on key changes for possessions proceedings. If you’re a landlord and need advice then contact Habib Khan in our housing management team who can guide, you through any housing management and litigation issues you may face.
Concessions on ‘right to work’ checks will come to a close – 20 June
Businesses that intend to hire an international workforce in the UK should know that the government guidelines on 'right to work’ checks will be updated on 20 June. The new guidelines are being reintroduced as the world of work returns to normal after the pandemic and will require businesses to receive physical proof of a person’s right to work, such as a visa, not just a scanned or digital version of the documents.
Businesses should take this change in legislation as an opportunity to review their employment processes to ensure they are compliant with the new rules.
Register for our free webinar on right to work checks in 2021 and beyond, taking place on 17 June.
If you’re are unsure of what the changes mean for you, or you require assistance with the right to work checks and general compliance, speak to Tijen Ahmet in our business immigration team.
Ban on evicting commercial tenants likely to end – 30 June
As it currently stands, the evictions ban on commercial tenants for non-payment of rent will come to an end on 30 June 2021.
When the extension of the ban was announced on 10 March, it provided a much-needed lifeline for businesses who are still struggling with the impact of COVID-19.
However, if the ban on eviction is not extended once again, landlords will have the right to forfeiture from 1 July.
If you’re a landlord and struggling to resolve matters with your tenants then our commercial property disputes team can help you through these difficult situations - contact James Fownes, Martin Edwards, Justine Ball or another member of the property disputes team for advice and support.
The wind down of the stamp duty holiday – 30 June
Homeowners should be aware that the stamp duty holiday comes to an end on 30 June, with a staggered return to previous rates over the coming months.
First introduced in July 2020 and then extended in March 2021, the stamp duty holiday was designed to boost the property sector, which had come to a halt at the start of the pandemic. This meant that property purchases up to £500,000 were exempt from stamp duty land tax, saving people up to £15,000.
From 30 June 2021, the threshold will decrease from £500,000 to £250,000, considerably reducing the number of eligible properties. By 1 October, the thresholds are planned to return to their pre-pandemic levels.
This holiday has helped many people purchase properties without worrying about additional tax bills, which has lowered costs overall.
Homeowners looking to benefit from the tax exemption should expedite their completion dates, if possible.
If you’re looking to sell or buy your own home then our dedicated residential conveyancing team is here to help and make the journey as straightforward as possible. For guidance and support contact Tom Ansell or complete our 'contact us' form and a member of our team will call you back to discuss your enquiry.
We’re here to help
Being aware of these key events can help you and your business better prepare, seeking expert guidance to assist with navigating this constantly changing landscape.
Our updated guide to recovery and resilience covers everything you need to navigate your way out of lockdown, unlock your potential and make way for a brighter future. Further advice in relation to COVID-19 can be found on our dedicated coronavirus resource hub. Â
From inspirational SHMA Talks to informative webinars, we also have lots of educational and entertaining content for life and business. Visit SHMA® ON DEMAND.
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