As the eviction ban draws to a close, fears have risen over the hundreds of thousands of people who could lose their homes in the coming months, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Latest figures reveal that claims for homeless support have already surged, with more than 283,000 people in England and Wales now on council waiting lists for accommodation, an increase of 3% since last year. This has raised concerns about the potential extent of the homelessness crisis, as the UK Government prepares to end the eviction ban at the end of August. In this article, we explore the current state of the housing crisis in the UK, including the impact of the pandemic, and what this means for those at risk of homelessness.
The eviction ban that had been in place in many parts of the world due to the COVID-19 pandemic has come to an end, and this has raised concerns of an increase in homelessness. Many governments had imposed a moratorium on evictions to prevent people from becoming homeless during the pandemic. However, as the pandemic eases, several countries have lifted the ban on evictions, allowing landlords to resume eviction procedures.
As the eviction ban ends, several reports discuss how this decision may impact tenants, including vulnerable groups such as families, elderly people, and those on low incomes. A news report by RTE.ie states that fears of a rise in homelessness are growing as the eviction ban ends. This report indicates that many people are struggling to keep a roof over their heads due to the economic hardships caused by the pandemic.
On the other hand, a report by The Irish Times highlights that unregulated agents will no longer be able to carry out evictions, and this may protect tenants from the wrong practices of some landlords. The report explains that from now on, the regulations will require landlords to give tenants six months’ notice before eviction, giving tenants enough time to find new accommodation.
In addition, another report by the ABC News discusses how changes to rental laws came into effect in Canberra, banning no-cause evictions and soliciting rental bids. This law will protect tenants from being evicted without any reason or being forced to bid against each other for rental properties. Such initiatives can help ensure fairer renting conditions for tenants.
Moreover, an article by The Irish Times suggests that lifting the eviction ban may lead to a horror movie situation for tenants as thousands face possible eviction from tomorrow. The article presents stories of tenants who fear losing their homes and becoming homeless due to the ending of the eviction ban. Many tenants may face financial hardship, leaving them vulnerable to eviction and potential homelessness.
Overall, these reports show that the end of the eviction ban raises concerns of a rise in homelessness and puts many tenants at risk of losing their homes. However, some governments and lawmakers are taking steps to ensure fairer renting conditions and protect vulnerable tenants. As housing continues to be a major issue worldwide, it is essential that governments provide adequate support to those who are most in need, and strategies such as rent control, building affordable housing and providing financial assistance should be implemented.
