Coronavirus COVID-19 Pandemic
Hub for Landlords and Letting Agents
For the latest #StayAlert guidance, please see the.gov coronavirus page here.
Landlord Specific Guidance
- Possession
- Inspections, Repairs, Maintenance & Moving Home
- Rent and Support
- Right to Rent (Immigration Act)
Possession Notices
Please see here for technical guidance.
Possession notices can be downloaded from our website here.
England
From 1 October 2021, the length of section 8 and 21 notices is reverted to pre COVID levels.
Please see here for length of section 8 notices in England.
Wales
Section 21 is 6 months notice until at least 24 March 2022
Please see here for length of section 8 notices in Wales.
Applying to the Court
After a notice has expired, an application to the court can be made. However, slightly modified rules apply and there will likely be extensive delays in particular with hearings.
Of particular note is the requirement to include with any claim a notice about how the tenant has been affected by Coronavirus (to the best of the landlords knowledge and belief). Where there is to be a hearing, the notice will have to be sent to the tenant beforehand. For comprehensive guidance on seeking possession, please see this guidance.Our court form guidance contains a sample of the required Coronavirus Notice.
Inspections, Repairs and Maintenance
Essential repairs and maintenance should continue as long as the occupiers are not self-isolating.
Gas and electrical safety inspections should be completed as normal.
Fire alarm testing should continue in particular, communal hallways.
Routine periodic inspections simply checking the condition of a property may now be undertaken.
See the full government guidance about repairs and maintenance here.
Moving Home
Moving home is back to normal and allowed.
Tenants should continue to pay rent and abide by all other terms of their tenancy agreement to the best of their ability. The government has made a strong package of financial support available to tenants, and where they can pay the rent as normal, they should do. Tenants who are unable to do so should speak to their landlord at the earliest opportunity.
Source: Guidance for landlords and tenants
Under temporary Coronavirus provisions, face to face checking of a tenant’s right to rent has been amended to allow checking at a distance.
The following changes apply until and including 30 September 2022:
- landlords or agents can carry out checks over video calls
- tenants can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app; rather than sending originals,
- landlords should use the Landlord Checking Service if a prospective or existing tenant cannot provide any of the accepted documents
Checks continue to be necessary, and you must continue to check the prescribed documents set out in Landlords Guide to Right to Rent or use the Home Office right to rent online service. For the complete temporary Coronavirus guidance, please see here.
From the Website
Summer Statement 2020 – Main points explained
Chancellor Rishi Sunak revealed new policies with a big impact for landlords in his Summer Statement. Speaking in the House of Commons, Sunak outlined how to government intends to kick start the...
Coronavirus Eviction Ban Will End in August
The courts will start to process eviction claims from private landlords from August 24, according to a government spokesman. Lord Greenhalgh, the minister of state for housing, communities, and...
Landlords Facing £3m Coronavirus Rent Crisis
A coronavirus cash crisis is gripping the lettings industry as thousands of tenants have failed to pay rent during the lockdown. The courts face a backlog of more than 2,400 cases involving rent...
Buy to Let Rents Still Rising Despite Coronavirus Impact
The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the rental market seems minimal, according to the latest official figures. The Office for National Statistics says private tenants saw rents across the...
Regulations Allowing Viewings in Wales Published
The latest amended version of the The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020 have been published. As previously announced, they include provisions relating to moving...
Coronavirus Ban Eases for Landlords in Wales
Landlords in Wales can accept viewings and let tenants move if homes are empty as the coronavirus pandemic ban is partly lifted. The Welsh Government is still cautious about a resurgence of the...
Useful Links
Understanding the possession action process: A guide for private landlords in England and Wales
Technical guidance on eviction notices
Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities
Support available if you are a tenant living in Wales – COVID-19
Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do
Guidance for tradespeople working in people’s homes
Gas Safe Register: CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19): ADVICE FOR LANDLORDS
Stay at home: guidance for households with possible coronavirus (COVID-19) infection
NHS Coronavirus (COVID-19) specific advice
Check if you have coronavirus symptoms (111 NHS service)
Guidance for employers and business
Coronavirus (COVID-19): Universal Credit Landlord Engagement Newsletter
COVID-19: support for businesses
Shelter coronavirus page (includes guidance about inspections and possession)