FAQs: What impact does the January 2021 Lockdown have on landlords and tenants?
UPDATE 05/01/21:
Following on from the government’s latest announcements, we want to provide you with reassurance and guidance on how the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting our landlords and Lettings service.
This handy guide has been put together by our Lettings team and is based on typical questions we are currently asked. The first part of this blog answers landlords frequently asked questions (FAQs) and the latter section answers those from tenants.
Landlord FAQs
Q. What are the changes to letting laws during this period?
A. The housing market remains open so at the moment there are no fundamental changes to the letting laws. Viewings in person can still be organised where safety can be guaranteed in accordance with social distancing guidance. We continue to offer virtual viewings and appraisals via WhatsApp, Facebook, and Skype, so please contact us to discuss your options.
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 should 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 and inspections will continue as usual. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
Q. What services will Michael Jones be prioritising if the impact of the pandemic is such that we do not have the capacity to deliver all services?
A. We are structured in a way that should allow us to deliver all our services to our clients. Our rent collection and property management service remain operational, all properties are still being marketed and applicants registered.
Viewings and appraisals continue to be conducted in person, where it is safe and in line with social distancing guidance.
Q. What happens if I can’t pay the mortgage as a landlord?
A. If you find yourself in this situation, you will need to speak to your lender to see if there is a form of mortgage payment holiday or break available to you. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak, confirms that borrowers impacted by COVID who haven’t had a mortgage holiday will be entitled to a 6 month break. If you’ve already started a mortgage holiday you can top up to 6 months without it being recorded on a credit file.
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 accommodation as you wish. One of our Lettings team will still be in contact with you to discuss your options or please call our team if you have any questions.
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. We are still offering virtual viewings and appraisals via WhatsApp, Facebook, and Skype, so please contact us to discuss your options.
We are encouraging people to view our properties online or to contact us and request further details.
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 property as planned, the January 2021 Lockdown should not impact your move.
Q. What will happen to self-isolating tenants?
A. We will fully respect those tenants who are self-isolating. Rent is still payable, but if you are out of work, please do contact us and we can talk through 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 one of our friendly Lettings team, please call us on 01903 213 111 or email lettings@michaeljones.co.uk
Stay alert and stay safe.
Content accurate at time of publishing.
