May 2020: Updated Government Guidance for the Lettings Sector

Last week the Government relaxed its guidance surrounding the housing market with the hope of freeing up many home moves which were postponed due to the lockdown - but what does this actually mean for you? 

We've rounded up the most relevent points for Landlords and Tenants but keep checking www.gov.uk for up to date advice as these guidance points are subject to change.

• Private landlords and letting agents should not conduct viewings in properties where tenants are symptomatic or self-isolating, or where it has been determined that they are clinically extremely vulnerable and are shielding.
   
• Any visits to a property must be made in accordance with government’s guidelines on working in other people's homes and social distancing.
   
• If possible, necessary repairs, gas and electrical safety checks should be done by appointment with measures put in place to ensure physical contact is minimised, for example with residents staying in another room during the visit.
   
• Landlords should make every effort to abide by gas and electrical safety requirements, which continue to be of great importance for tenants’ safety. This may be more difficult due to restrictions associated with the coronavirus outbreak, for example where a tenant has coronavirus symptoms, is self-isolating or shielding. Under such circumstances, provided the landlord can demonstrate they have taken reasonable steps to comply, they would not be in breach. 
   
• Letting agents and landlords should take steps to ensure any properties are prepared ready for new tenants.
   
• Letting agents and landlords should consider how best to conduct tenancy check-ins for new tenancies agreed while broader measures remain in place, taking care to follow government advice on social distancing to minimise possible spread of coronavirus.