Author: Sam (OpenRent)

There is new guidance on accessing rental properties to carry out inspections, repairs and safety checks. Properties should only be accessed for serious matters and all non-essential visits to properties should be postponed. There is also new guidance on how landlords, tenants and tradespeople must act to remain safe if they do need to attend a property. 

Continue reading “Can Landlords Arrange Repairs and Safety Checks During Coronavirus Social Distancing?”

Landlords have been given new advice by the government regarding right to rent checks. The checks can now be performed online. The new measures are temporary and designed to ensure a minimum of contact during this period of social distancing due to coronavirus. 

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Coronavirus has changed the rules for evicting a tenant in England and Wales. New measures have also been announced in Scotland. If a landlord has decided they wish to evict a tenant, they must now consider the following developments before attempting to do so.

Continue reading “Coronavirus Act: Can Tenants Be Evicted During COVID-19 Lockdown and Social Distancing Measures?”

The Government has provided guidance on moving home during this period. Where possible, any moves should be delayed until travel restrictions are lifted. This is in order to further reduce contact between households to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

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Social distancing measures introduced to battle coronavirus mean you can’t currently carry out viewings in person. But you may still wish to show your property to prospective tenants who have no choice but to find a new home, or who need a property in a few months’ time – for example, students who are looking for accommodation for the next academic year.

Continue reading “How to Conduct a Property Viewing Online”

Many landlords have been asking how to go about formalising an agreement with their tenant to temporarily lower or suspend the rent. Understandably landlords will want to help out their tenants without accidentally breaching the Tenant Fees Act 2019 or permanently reducing the rent. This post gives some simple tips how to help tenants out without falling into any legal traps. 

Continue reading “How to Formalise a Temporary Rent Reduction or Rent Holiday”