Hundreds of thousands of renters up and down the country including Hitchin could face eviction after housing charities warned of a looming devastating homelessness crisis.

The government has been warned renters could lose their homes as a result of the coronavirus pandemic - prompting a month long extension of an eviction ban.

However, if the suspension returns without extra protection, charities have cautioned that outgoing tenants would be unable to access an affordable roof over their heads - unleashing a wave of homelessness.

Renters have been protected during the Covid crisis by a ban on evictions which was announced in March and extended three months later in June. Prior to the latest four week extension it had been due to end in England next week.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer said the decision only allowed 'renters a few more weeks to pack their bags'.

A survey by homelessness charity Shelter suggested more than 170,000 private tenants across the country including north Herts have been threatened with eviction from a private landlord or letting agent - while around 230,000 people in England have fallen into arrears since lockdown.

Health bodies also warned homelessness or decisions that resulted in renters living in overcrowded accommodation could mean a spike in coronavirus infections.

The decision to extend the ban on evictions - which will last until September 20 - was confirmed in a letter to judges by Master of the Rolls Sir Terence Etherton after a meeting of the civil procedure rule committee (CPRC), which makes rules for county courts.

If you are a Hitchin renter who is affected by this story please contact Nub News.

Advice for tenants

Anyone under threat of eviction should start gathering evidence such as receipts for rent paid or any communications with your landlord.

Landlords have to give you notice before they can apply to court for a possession order. For most tenancy types this notice must now be at least three months in England or six in Wales, but lodgers may get less notice.

If a possession order had already been made against you before 27 March 2020, then your landlord may apply for this to be enforced when the ban comes to an end. You should receive 14 days' notice of the eviction date.

Anyone now struggling to pay rent should speak to their landlord, and organise a repayment plan to pay off arrears.

Those receiving housing benefit or Universal Credit and unable to pay rent might be able to get a discretionary housing payment from the local council.

Source: Citizens Advice