Lambeth has banned all evictions for council tenants whether they are coronavirus-related or not. 

The council has asked that all housing associations in the borough do the same. 

It has also set up a live chat service for those concerned or struggling. 

Cllr Paul Gadsby, Lambeth’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Coronavirus is a huge challenge to every aspect of life in Lambeth as elsewhere.  

“The council is working extremely hard with our NHS, voluntary sector, businesses and other partners to limit health, social and economic harm to our residents and to plan for what comes next. 

“As part of that work we have suspended all evictions at this time and are assisting residents who find they have fallen into arrears as a result of this crisis.  

“We have set up a Live Chat service for council tenants who are concerned, and would encourage people who rent from the council and are being impacted on by coronavirus to use it. 

“We have also asked all housing associations in Lambeth to take the same approach to evictions and have called on the government to suspend section 21 evictions in the private rented sector. 

“Visit www.lambeth.gov.uk/council-tenants-and-homeowners/pay-your-rent-and-service-charges to access the Live Chat – its on the bottom right of the page.” 

Robert Jenrick, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, reassured private renters on Wednesday that landlords would be barred from evicting anyone for three months under emergency coronavirus legislation.   

“Emergency legislation will be taken forward as an urgent priority so that landlords will not be able to start proceedings to evict tenants for at least a three-month period.  

“As a result of these measures, no renters in private or social accommodation needs to be concerned about the threat of eviction,” he said.  

Landlords will also be given a three-month mortage payment holiday.