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Published on : April 2, 2020 11:17


Here’s what landlords need to know


With COVID-19 affecting millions of people and businesses up and down the UK, the government has introduced new measures and legislation to try and control its effects as much as possible.

Many landlords are in need of support and guidance as there are so many outstanding questions at the moment.

We’ve pulled together a list of some FAQs to help you understand the recent changes to the law and how it affects you. We urge all our landlords to follow the latest government guidance on the coronavirus outbreak which can be found at www.gov.uk/coronavirus.


Rent


1. What do I do if my tenant can’t pay their rent?


Tenants should continue to pay their rent where possible. However, those that are unable to do so should speak to their landlord as soon as possible. To keep the dialogue as open as possible, we advise our landlords to check in with their tenants. It’s also important that landlords offer their support and understanding to their tenants who may start to see their incomes decrease.

A temporary agreement should be established if your tenant is struggling to pay their rent. This could be accepting a lower level of rent or agreeing on a repayment plan to help pay off arrears at a later date. More advice is available at Shelter, Citizens Advice and The Money Advice Service.


Mortgage Payments


2. What can I do about mortgage repayments?


Mortgage repayment holidays have been extended to include buy-to-let mortgages.

If your tenant is unable to pay their rent, you should discuss your options with your lender. Please note that the sum owed remains and mortgages will continue to accrue interest during this period.


3. I rely on the rental income to make a living

The new legislation means landlords who have buy-to-let mortgages can apply for the mortgage holiday.

However, if your property is unmortgaged and you rely on the rental income to make a living, this does not apply to you.

As of yet, the government hasn’t made any announcements of when they will be introducing measures to help in cases such as these. We encourage our landlords to remain as up-to-date as possible by regularly visiting the coronavirus website which can be found here www.gov.uk/coronavirus.


Possessions


3. I want to regain possession of my property.


In response to the coronavirus outbreak, the government has issued a Practice Direction to stop possession claims from progressing.

This suspension will apply for 90 days from 27th March 2020 to all housing possessions proceedings in the rented, leasehold and homeownership sectors – simply put, this means as a landlord, you will not be able to take action through the courts to enforce your tenant to move over the next three months.

This applies even if you have already issued your notice of intention to regain possession of the property.


Property access and health and safety obligations


4. What if my tenant needs something repaired?


Your obligations to repairs have not changed. It is your responsibility to ensure your tenant has a decent, warm and safe place to live.

As property inspections have had to be halted, we encourage our landlords and tenants to remain in contact with one another to ensure that your property is kept in good repair and free from hazards.


5. I wish to conduct a viewing


It is advised that you follow the government’s latest guidance necessary to help stop the spread of the virus which you can find here www.gov.uk/coronavirus.

We strongly recommend that access to a property, regardless if your tenants are self-isolating or not, should only be for serious issues such as urgent repairs.

This means that no one should visit the property to conduct viewings.


6. Someone in my House in Multiple Occupation has the virus – what are my responsibilities?


Again, we would like to stress that nobody can be removed from their home due to the virus.

As a landlord, you are not obliged to provide alternative accommodation for tenants if others in the property contract the virus.

It is advised that you direct them to the latest government guidelines and advice on cleanliness and hygiene which can be found here www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings


Speak to us


Even though our branches are closed, we are still available for a phone call on 0161 443 4777 or you can email us at [email protected].

If you have any concerns about your rental property please speak to us and we will do our best to help you in this difficult time.


Related Links


An Update For Our Landlords From Edward Mellor CEO, Colin Mellor

Your Comprehensive Guide to Mortgage Payment Holidays

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