The Commercial Rent (Coronavirus) Act 2022 received Royal Assent on 24 March 2022 and means a legally binding arbitration process will be available in England and Wales for eligible commercial landlords and tenants who have not already reached an agreement to resolve outstanding commercial rent debts related to the pandemic.

The Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) (Scotland) Bill 2022 is currently making its way through Holyrood, which is one of the promised changes by the Scottish Government to the private rented sector (PRS).

The Scottish Government’s Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) Bill proposes to make all eighteen grounds for possession discretionary on a permanent basis, as well as retain pre-action protocols relating to rent arrears.

The Scottish Government has announced that temporary changes to notice periods, introduced at the start of the pandemic are to return to pre-pandemic terms on 30 March 2022.

Permanent adoption of discretionary grounds for possession outlined in the newly introduced Coronavirus (Recovery and Reform) Scotland Bill is extra pressure on the tribunal system.

The last two years have seen a complete shift in attitudes towards healthcare and the importance of promoting a work-life balance, leading to unforeseen trends across the sector. What does the commercial property sector look like for agents in 2022?

Propertymark welcomes the latest announcement by the Welsh Government after it has adjusted the eligibility criteria, meaning every tenant in Wales who has COVID-related arrears can apply for financial help.

Figures from the ‘Mind the Gap 2021’ report, commissioned by employer and health and safety advisory service, WorkNest, magnifies differences in employer and employee opinion among key business elements, such as the effects of hybrid working.

Official UK Government figures show the number of possession actions across court stages in England and Wales were higher than those reported in 2020 but significantly lower than in the same quarter of 2019.

The UK Government has announced today, 9 November 2021, that new laws and Code of Practice are being introduced to resolve the remaining commercial rent debts accrued because of the pandemic.

Following repeated calls and lobbying from Propertymark and other organisations, the UK Government announced on 23 October a £65 million support package for councils in England to aid low-income earners in rent arrears in the private rented sector to help to prevent homelessness.

New regulations come into force on 1 October 2021 for England that will return notice periods for Section 21 and Section 8 notices to their pre-pandemic levels.

The UK Government has confirmed to Propertymark that notice periods will return to their pre-COVID lengths.

In a letter to Patrick Harvie MSP, following his appointment as Minister for Zero Carbon Buildings, Active Travel, and Tenants' Rights, Propertymark highlighted it is vital that the introduction of any legislation around the private rented sector (PRS) is based on evidence.

The Department for Communities has announced an extension to the regulations for the period of notice a landlord must give a tenant before a claim is made to the court.

Professionals warn aspects of the Scottish Greens manifesto could come into play as the SNP and Scottish Greens agree a new power-sharing partnership.