On Friday afternoon, Civil Procedure Rule Practice Direction 55C was updated with little fanfare. The Practice Direction initially intended to last until 28 March 2021, has now been extended to 30 July 2021.
Friday 29th January 2021, was also to be the last date to file a Reactivation Notice before any remaining possession claims were stayed indefinitely. However, the date for restarting a possession claim that was subject to the stay before 3 August 2020, or restarting a claim in which case management directions had been made before 20 September 2020, by filing a reactivation notice has been extended to 30 April 2021.
For more information regarding Reactivation Notices click here.
In light of the current climate, the updates themselves are not surprising, but what remains a concern for landlords is yet further changes to the law being implemented at the eleventh hour.
The Government has previously extended protections against the enforcement of residential evictions until at least 21st February 2021 because of the third national “lockdown” in England. The House of Lords will debate the regulations that extend the ban on 2nd February 2021. In light of the recent extension, we would not be surprised if further changes are introduced. Watch this space!
If you have any questions or queries regarding the above, please do not hesitate to contact a member of our Housing and Regeneration Team.
