COVID19 – continuing to manage your tenancy
Landlords and tenants alike are under extreme pressure to maintain their obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Restrictions have been placed on landlords' remedies under the Coronavirus Act 2020. While government reliefs are available, many tenants are seeking concessions to help them survive during the lockdown, and beyond.
To help you navigate these obstacles, whilst maintaining a cooperative landlord-tenant relationship, DASH have prepared a number of templates which you can use. Use the link to access to portal, then press the download button on the top left of the screen to access the document and make any changes you need.
Rent payment
During these uncertain times no rent is absolutely guaranteed and you may be faced with calls from tenants asking for a rent holiday or rent reduction.
If you have previously enjoyed a good relationship with your tenant and both parties are keen to continue the tenancy, it may be possible to agree a temporary adjustment to the rent and/or a way to spread out the repayment of any accrued debt.
Talk to your tenant about how much they are able to pay and work out whether it's in both of your interests to negotiate an adjusted rent until their finances improve.
You may need to help your tenant assess their options. It's worth encouraging your tenants to check which payments and credits they may be eligible to receive.
Tenant Covid-19 Information Attachment
Template Letter: Temporary Rent Reduction(Agreement)
Template Letter: Temporary Rent Reduction (Refusal)
Remember to continuously keep in contact with the tenant. Keep copies of all communication and evidence over what you have agreed as these may be necessary if you decide to take things further at a later date into court action.
Electrical Safety
New rules are being introduced. If you are renting out a property in England, any tenancy you create or renew on or after July 1st 2020 will require an electrical inspection and a report on the condition of the property (EICR) performed by a qualified person. If tenants are not self-isolating, and a qualified person can inspect the property then the check should go ahead.
For pre-existing tenancies, you will need to have an EICR performed on all existing tenancies before April 1st 2021.
Essential Electrical Safety Check (Coronavirus Pandemic)
Gas Safety
Gas safety inspections can go on as they are deemed essential works. Obviously if the tenant is vacating in the near future, then you should look to carry out the gas check in the void period. Otherwise you should inform your tenant of the intention to arrange a visit.
Essential Gas Safety Check (Coronavirus Pandemic)
Repairs
Works required in relation to water supply, sanitation and heating failure are all considered essential and need to be addressed. Other than this landlords will need to make a judgement call on the urgency of the situation. Any repairs that can be put off, should be, until such time as restrictions are lifted or there is a void period when the works can be carried out.
Essential Repair During Coronavirus Pandemic
