The Scottish government has announced that the temporary ban on evictions will be extended till the end of March.
Regulations will be set out in the Scottish Parliament on 14 January to extend the current ban, which is due to end on 22 January.
The extended ban will apply to all evictions in areas subject to level three or four restrictions, except where there are cases of serious anti-social behaviour, including domestic abuse.
The ban will be subject to review every three weeks and will remain in place till 31 March.
Commenting on the extension, housing minister Kevin Stewart said: “Extending the temporary ban on the enforcement of eviction orders in the private and social rented sectors in areas subject to level 3 and 4 restrictions will support tenants and offer people protection from transmission of the virus by being able to stay safe in their homes.
“It will also prevent additional burdens being placed on health and housing services during a time where they are already working hard due to the impact of the pandemic. This is a proportionate response to an extremely challenging set of circumstances.”
Stewart added: “In the case of serious anti-social or criminal behaviour – including domestic abuse – eviction orders can still be enforced.
“We have been clear that no landlord should evict a tenant because they have suffered financial hardship due to the pandemic.
“Tenants in difficulty should engage with their landlord and seek advice on the options open to them.”
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