Back to News
From today, Tuesday 4th May 2021, the Debt Respite Scheme, or ‘Breathing Space’ scheme comes into force. Announced last year, the Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) gives people in problem debt the right to legal protections from their creditors for up to 60 days. Importantly, this scheme will apply to tenants in debt to landlords and there are two very important elements to note:
Section 8 Notices (Form 3)
- As a result of the scheme, legislation has been amended and from 4th May all Section 8 eviction notices must include details of the Breathing Space Scheme.
- This means the new prescribed wording must be included in the Section 8 Notice (Form 3), which has now been updated on gov.uk
- Form 3 as a schedule to the legislation can also be found here
Pausing rent
While the scheme gives respite time to deal with a debt, there absolutely no suggestion within the guidance that tenants should pause rent. We suggest that you share this information with tenants and landlords where appropriate.
