Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what steps he is taking to ensure that live-in lodgers are protected from eviction during the covid-19 outbreak.

The provisions relating to extending notice periods under the Coronavirus Act only apply to statutory tenants and licensees who are covered by the Protection from Eviction Act. Some lodgers will be a statutory tenant or a licensee, others will fall outside of this legislation.

In these difficult times, we urge everyone to show compassion and exercise flexibility as far as possible. We encourage landlords to allow lodgers to remain in their homes if they want to stay.

Lodgers who can do so must continue to pay their rent. If they cannot they should speak to their landlord at the earliest opportunity. An early conversation between landlord and tenant can help both parties to agree a plan if tenants are struggling to pay their rent.

If a lodger is being forced out illegally, they should contact the police and their local authority.