What is the impact of the November Lockdown on landlords and tenants?

Following on from the government’s latest announcements, we want to provide you with a summary on how COVID is affecting our landlords and tenants.

This handy guide has been put together by Ralph and Keeran and is based on typical questions we are currently being asked. If there is something further please let us know and we can answer this for you.

Landlord FAQs

Q. What are the changes to rental laws during this period?

A. The good news is that the housing market currently remains open so at the moment there are no changes to the letting laws. Viewings in person can still be organised where safety can be guaranteed in accordance with social distancing guidance, every viewer fills out a health form prior to the viewing. We also encourage people to do a virtual tour as the first stage prior to a physical viewing.

Q. What will happen if tenants are in financial difficulty and are worried about paying their rent?

A. Any tenants who find themselves in this situation have been advised to contact us straight away. We can discuss and advise on a range of options available to avoid rent arrears where possible.

Q. Are there changes to safety checks or inspections?

A. All safety checks will continue as usual. We are starting to test virtual inspections and we will see the response from our tenants and let you know how it goes.

Q. What happens if I can’t pay the mortgage as a landlord?

A. If you find yourself in this unfortunate position, the best thing to do would be for you to speak to your lender to see if there is a mortgage payment holiday available to you. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, has confirmed that borrowers impacted by COVID who haven’t had a mortgage holiday will be entitled to a 6 month break. If you’ve already in mortgage holiday you can top up to 6 months without it being recorded on a credit file.

Q. Is rent guarantee insurance still available?

A. Yes our insurance partner Alan Boswell do have the policy currently available. This can be taken out after the tenant has moved in, the tenants are not in any arrears and we can't claim for the first three months of the policy. For more information and prices please contact Ralph or Keeran. If you currently have a policy you are still covered.

Tenant FAQs

Q. My tenancy is up for renewal this month – what shall I do?

A. The housing market remains open so you can move into new home when you would like to. Ralph and Keeran are here to help make the move as straight forward as possible. We are able to renew our tenancies electronically, if you wish to discuss this please contact us on 01634 361245

Q. Are viewings still going ahead?

A. Viewings in person continue to be organised where safety can be guaranteed in accordance with social distancing guidance. Every viewer fills out a health form prior to the viewing. We also encourage people to do a virtual tour as the first stage prior to a physical viewing.

Q. I am meant to be moving into a new property soon, what will happen now?

A. The housing market remains open so you are able to move into your new home. The November Lockdown should not impact your move.

Q. Are there changes to safety checks or inspections?

A. All safety checks will continue as usual. We are starting to test virtual inspections and we will see the response from our tenants and let you know how it goes.

Q. What will happen to self-isolating tenants?

A. If you haven’t already contact us to inform us that you are self-isolating. We fully respect those tenants who are currently self-isolating. The rent is still payable, however if you are out of work, please do get in contact with us and we can help with your options.

We remain open for business

We’re here to help you with any property needs and/or questions you have; and now, we can organise safe meetings in person alongside our virtual viewings and talk over the phone. If you’d like to speak with Ralph or Keeran please call us on 01634 361245 or email info@medwaypremierhomes.com

Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and give us a call we are here to help you.

Content accurate at time of publishing.