Government support available for Landlords & Tenants reflecting Impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
Measures to protect renters affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). Published 26 March 2020 From: Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local
The government has brought forward a package of measures to protect renters affected by coronavirus (COVID-19). With these in force, no renter in either social or private accommodation will be forced out of their home.
To ensure all renters are clear on the full package of support that is currently available to them, we are bringing this together into one place. From yesterday (26 March 2020) landlords will have to give all renters 3 months’ notice if they intend to seek possession (i.e. serve notice that they want to end the tenancy) – this means the landlord can’t apply to start the court process until after this period.
A MESSAGE WITH A DIFFERENCE FROM THE MANAGING AGENT TO ALL LESSEES AND TENANTS
Dear Leaseholder,
I am writing to you all I’m afraid, about the main topic of the news!
However, I thought instead of a dry protocol letter I would like to share my thoughts with you all. I have found myself in reflective mood as this situation unfolds and apart from those of you that know me well, or have been to our office, you probably will not know of my interest in second world war aircraft and flying. I say that as I have collected for many years now prints of aircraft both signed and unsigned and they cover the office walls, (understandably, I am not allowed them at home apart from in my office there!). Indeed, over Alison’s desk is a signed print of two Lancasters from 617 ‘Dambusters’ squadron over the Mohne dam, appropriate as her Father himself flew in Lancasters as a Flight Engineer. This interest as a young man opened a lot of opportunities for me and I have been privileged to meet and have been friends with pilots and aircrew who actually flew in the second world war and have heard them tell their stories first hand, the good and the bad.
Complete Ban on Evictions and Additional Protection for Renters
In unprecedented times, the Government announces radical package of measures to protect renters and landlords affected by coronavirus.
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government and The Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP
-
Emergency legislation to suspend new evictions from social or private rented accommodation while this national emergency is taking place
-
No new possession proceedings through applications to the court to start during the crisis
-
Landlords will also be protected as 3 month mortgage payment holiday is extended to Buy to Let mortgages
Government to Help Tenants with Rent
Boris Johnson announced this morning that there would be some assistance and support for tenants who will struggle meeting rent payments. He referenced the fact that tenants should not be penalised in any way and be “evicted” through no fault of their own, yet this does not give us any indication of what provision will be put in place to assist tenants who may incur arrears. However, the Prime Minister did not confirm, but Breaking News is that landlords will not be able to start court proceedings against tenants for 3 months. Legislation will be passed to deal with this very soon.
For letting agents and landlords it is very important to have the discussion sooner rather than later as to how rent payments, late rent payments and rent areas will be managed.