This is the message from the Ministry of Housing,
Communities and Local Government as Agents go back to work. So, what should you
know as a self-managing Landlord, or to make sure you are being protected by
your agent?
In a new document issued by the Ministry of Housing, agents
and landlords are being told to do the following.
"Endeavour to avoid ending tenancies where the tenant wants to, and is able, to stay.”
My interpretation of this is, when the ‘non-eviction’ rules
finish at the end of June, the Courts will still look unfavourably on any
eviction process that is due in full, or part, to the impact of the Corona
Virus.
“Private landlords and letting agents should not conduct
viewings in properties where tenants are symptomatic or self-isolating, or
where it has been determined that they are clinically extremely vulnerable and
shielding.”
So, viewings can proceed only in line with social distancing
rules and if the tenants are clear of COVID-19.
“Visits to a property must be made in accordance with
government guidelines on working from other peoples’ homes and social
distancing.”
If possible, any necessary repairs should be conducted in
the period between a property being vacated and a new tenant moving in. If this
is not possible, and visits to an occupied property are necessary, it should be
done by appointment, with measures in place to ensure physical contact is
minimised. That could mean residents
staying in another room during the visit.
Letting agents may also want to consider obtaining landlord
and tenant consent for inventory clerk appointments to occur during vacant
periods (before a tenant moves in, or after a tenant moves out).
In addition to the normal preparation for a new tenant to
move into a property, it may also be necessary to complete a deep clean to
minimise any potential spread of the virus in line with government advice.
It may also be wise for letting agents and landlords to
conduct new tenancy check-ins using strict social distancing measures while
broader measures remain in place.
“Landlords should make every effort to abide by gas and
electrical safety requirements, which continue to be of great importance for
tenants’ safety.”
This may be more difficult due to restrictions associated
with the coronavirus outbreak. For example, where a tenant has coronavirus
symptoms, is self-isolating or shielding. Under such circumstances, provided
the landlord can demonstrate they have taken reasonable steps to comply, they
would not be in breach.
The Property Ombudsman has seen a 20% increase in complaints
against agents and of 2518 complaints relating to Lettings Agents it is pretty
much 50/50 form Tenants and Landlords.
More on the above can be found by clicking here.
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