Editor's note: This brief was summarised by The Property AI Newsroom from a report by Property118. Read the original article for full details.

Government Defends Breathing Space Scheme Amid Landlord Concerns

The government has stated that the Breathing Space Scheme offers several safeguards to assist landlords. The scheme was introduced during the COVID pandemic and provides tenants with protection from enforcement action, including eviction, for up to 60 days.

The standard Breathing Space Scheme is designed to give tenants temporary relief from enforcement measures. In addition, the Mental Health Breathing Space Scheme extends this protection for tenants who are receiving mental health crisis treatment, plus an additional 30 days after treatment ends.

These measures are relevant for letting agents and inventory clerks managing tenancies where tenants may be experiencing financial or mental health difficulties. The government maintains that the scheme includes safeguards intended to support landlords during these periods of tenant protection.