According to the government 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 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 Beacons at
the earliest opportunity.
It is important to note that where tenants do not pay their rent they will, as under normal circumstance, accrue arrears and will put themselves into debt which could impact their credit file and make it difficult to pass credit checks in the future.
• Where a landlord does choose to serve notice seeking possession for rent arrears or has done so already, the notice period and any further action will be affected by legislation lengthening the notice period and/or the suspension of possession claims.
• If a tenant is worried about being unable to pay their rent, or if landlords become aware of tenants who may be in difficulty, advice is available from specialist providers such Shelter, Citizens Advice and The Money Advice Service.
• If you fall into financial difficulties due to a change in your employment or earnings, for example, you may qualify for Universal Credit. Property Guardian licence agreements are a valid tenancy arrangement for receiving housing costs support in Universal Credit. Find more information about Universal Credit at https://www.gov.uk/how-to-claim-universal-credit
Q –Tenants and Landlords – Someone in my House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) has the virus, What should I do?
• If you are living in accommodation which you share with other people, or share facilities with other people, you should follow current Public Health England guidance.
• You can find Government guidance on cleaning your home to minimise the risk of infection here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings
And on what to do if you are in a shared home with someone who may have the virus here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
• Landlords are not obliged to provide alternative accommodation for tenants if others in the property contract the virus.
Q – Tenants – Can I view a property at the moment?
Government has advised against home moves wherever possible. See separate advice here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
All our viewing will commence once we have been advised it is safe to do so.
Q – Tenants and Landlord– Can Contractors still visit the property during Covid-19?
Yes for emergancies but you must follow sensible precautions to keep yourself safe when you or contractors or others are visiting the property, as outlined in public health guidance here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
• You can take additional measures such as ensuring contractors and tenants remain in separate rooms during any visits and following Government advice on hygiene and cleanliness before, during and after visits.
All non emergencies should be reviewed when advised it is safe to visit properties again.
Q – Tenants – What should I do if I think I may have the virus?
• You should follow government guidance on self-isolation, which you can find here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
• You should tell anyone you share the property with immediately, so that they can take appropriate action and make informed decisions regarding shared areas and access to the property. If your landlord needs to arrange a visit to the property for urgent health and safety reasons, you should also inform them and agree to take sensible precautions.
Q – Tenants – What if my boiler breaks?
• Where reasonable, safe for you and in line with other Government guidance, we recommend that you allow landlords or contractors access to your property in order to inspect or remedy urgent health and safety issues.
• You can find further guidance on visits to properties to make repairs here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance#work-carried-out-in-peoples-homes
