According to the data from Barrows and Forrester, 76% of tenants wanted the ban on evictions to be extended further, while 43% of landlords believe that it should not have been extended
The vast majority of tenants have welcomed the extension to the recently announced suspension of evictions according to new research by lettings and estate agent, Barrows and Forrester.
Yesterday should have marked the end of the eviction ban timeline, however, the decision to extend it further means eviction notices will not be served for another six weeks across England and Wales, following a similar move by Scotland at the end of last week.
Barrows and Forrester surveyed 1,144 current UK tenants and 992 current UK landlords on their thoughts regarding the ban and its extension.
According to the data, 76% of tenants stated they wanted to see the ban on evictions reviewed and extended further, while 43% of landlords believe that it should not have been extended.
However, it would seem that financial factors aren’t the predominant issue surrounding the ban on tenant evictions. 46% of UK tenants stated that they have not seen their financial situation worsen as a result of the pandemic.
In Northern Ireland, 67% of tenants stated they are worse off as a result of the current pandemic, with tenants in the West Midlands (50%), East Midlands (48%) and Greater London (47%) also struggling more than most.
Just 18% of tenants stated that they have struggled or failed to pay the rent during the pandemic although this increases to 28% of tenants in Wales, 27% in Northern Ireland and 21% in Scotland and the West Midlands.
James Forrester, Managing Director of Barrows and Forrester, commented: The ban on tenant evictions is a delicate subject and both sides of the argument have valid reasons for wanting to see the ban either extended or lifted.
