Michael Shapiro features in The Guardian

Residential and commercial evictions – where are we now? That’s the question asked by The Guardian readers and answered by Michael Shapiro, who heads GSC’s Litigation & Dispute Resolution.

On 31 May 2021 the restrictions on evicting residential tenants came to an end. ‘Eviction dates are now being listed and we can expect a spate of people being evicted from their homes and pressure being put on the local authorities to rehouse them’, says Michael.

‘The restrictions on possession and forfeiture of commercial leases for non-payment of rent, and seizing a tenants goods during the Covid 19 period was due to expire on 30 June 2021 but this has now been extended until 25 March 2022. This will give tenants more time to resolve their arrears with their landlords, if they can.’

‘Commercial landlords and tenants ought to work together to avoid properties becoming empty. Landlords clearly want to have tenants in occupation paying the ongoing rent and remaining liable for all outgoings, and tenants want to stay in business and earn an income.’

The article can be accessed here

If you have been affected by the new change in law, please do not hesitate to contact Michael Shapiro directly on: [email protected] or 0207 822 2246.

© 2021 GSC Solicitors LLP. All rights reserved. GSC grants permission for the browsing of this material and for the printing of one copy per person for personal reference. GSC’s written permission must be obtained for any other use of this material. This publication has been prepared only as a guide to provide readers with general information on recent legal developments. It is not formal legal advice and should not be relied on for any purpose. You should not act or refrain from acting based on the information contained in this document without obtaining specific formal advice from suitably qualified advisors.