Landlord, Lettings Agents in Bath, News

Covid-19: Landlord Legislation Update

Extended Section 21 Notice Periods

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has confirmed that it is to extend the evictions ban in England until the 20th of September 2020, and will also introduce six-month long notice periods that will run until the 31st of March 2021.

The ban, which was announced in March as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, was to end on the 23rd of August, with some cases due to be heard immediately at the newly approved Nightingale courts. It has also been confirmed that once the courts do re-open, only serious cases such as those involving anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse will be prioritised.

Now that the ban on evictions has been extended, the Government must use this time to introduce further guidance and prepare the sector. It is important to take steps back towards normality so that both landlords and tenants have access to the justice system while putting measures in place to offer further support to tenants who have built up COVID-related arrears and this four-week extension will give Government the time to introduce such measures.

Timothy Douglas, ARLA Propertymark

MHCLG has advised landlords to work with tenants who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic and consider all possible options – such as flexible payment plans which take into account both parties’ circumstances – to ensure cases only end up in court as an absolute last resort.

Landlords must disclose impact of COVID-19 on tenant

Those cases which do make it to court will be affected by new rules requiring landlords in England and Wales seeking possession of their properties to set out in their claim any relevant information about a tenant’s circumstances.

This information includes what effect COVID-19 has had on a tenant’s vulnerability or whether they are claiming benefits – information should also be provided on how the pandemic has affected a tenant’s dependents, if they have any. However, the rules do not require agents or landlords to actively seek out information but merely to make the court aware of what information is known.

The rules do not change the regulations around possession for landlords and they do not amend Section 21 claims or Section 8 arrears claims. What is changing is some of the steps that landlords must follow if they want to apply for possession through the courts.

STAY COMPLIANT WITH PROFESSIONAL MANAGEMENT

With landlords now needing to comply with nearly 150 pieces of law, it has never been more important for your tenancy to be managed by a knowledgeable, professional and regulated agency.

For guidance on all aspects of tenancy management, or if you are considering letting your property in Bath, contact us on 01225 445777 or info@localhost.

    
 
 
          Tracy Warren 
 
 
 
  Even though we didn’t end up renting a place through Reside, Chris and Lisa were so incredibly personable, helpful and welcoming. Would highly recommend and will be heading there when ready to buy. 🎉
  
 
         eve mcculloch 
 
 
 
  The team at Reside could not have done more for me.  They supported me throughout the whole process when at times I probably drove them mad. I am now in a lovely home and it’s very much thanks to Lisa and Emma.
  
 
         Andy Moore 
 
 
 
  My experience with Chris Gray was just perfect. An incredibly friendly individual that really did go above and beyond to make sure I was taken care of. The whole experience was genuinely fun which says a lot for a process that can often be stressful! Don’t see myself moving again anytime soon but if I was to, I’d hope it’d be Chris helping me out again!
  
 
         Yoanna Iliadis 
 
 
 
  I am delighted with my experience with Reside! Lisa and Chris went out of their way to help throughout the process. Highly recommend x
  
 
         Niels Westberg 
 
 
 
  It has been a pleasure to have been able to do business with Reside Bath. Their people are highly efficient and utterly charming with it. I imagine that they can have few peers. I can recommend Reside Bath without reservation.
  
 
         Clod 
 
 
 
  Reside were my letting agents for five years and were fantastic. They always looked after me and my tenants and made renting my flat stress free. I’d recommend them as the first choice for letting. I then marketed my flat for sale with them and they were great again. It was a frustrating and long process through no fault of Reside or Lisa, my agent. Lisa kept me informed throughout and was a good listener when things got tough. Thanks for getting me there! Claire
  
 
         Mark Holton 
 
 
 
  Had great service from Lisa and the team at Reside, while exploring properties in Bath. We were delighted with the flat we found. The process from viewing to moving in was extremely smooth, with Lisa resolving any queries at pace along the way.
  
 
         yasmin kaye 
 
 
 
  Lisa at Reside has been absolutely amazing - we had a difficult rental search and she did everything she could to help us, finding us a wonderful flat. Recommend her and the team wholeheartedly!
  
 
         David Cox 
 
 
 
  Hello, and happy whatever day it is to you when you are reading this! ✨ My move to my new letting property with Reside was seamless. From the viewing, financials, help, and guidance, everything went through kindly, quickly, and with helpful attention. Chris, was especially helpful and I honestly felt prioritised as he could see how much the move meant to me due to being a dog owner. @Chris thank you again for everything, it really is much appreciated. ✨ Reside are instantly contactable and I cannot recommend them enough. I am a landlord myself, and I know the importance of such attention to detail and kindness. ✨ 10 out of 10, cannot recommend enough! ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨
  
 
         Elizabeth Thornhill 
 
 
 
  I contacted Lisa at Reside last week and arranged rental viewings in Bath.  It was a seamless process from beginning to end.  Lisa was extremely helpful and informative about the city and if I hadn't had an offer accepted on a purchase a few days later, would certainly have taken one of the properties she showed.  Lisa was a breath of fresh air in addition to being professional and very knowledgeable about the local market.  I can't recommend Reside or Lisa more strongly.