Do Landlords Need to be better Educated on the Benefit System?

In light of the ongoing situation with Covid-19, and an increase of furloughed workers, it has become pretty evident that some Landlords/Estate Agents are not as clued up on the system as they would have us believe. However, with them now having to face the chance that their tenants may not be able to pay rent, it is a better time than ever to separate the facts from the fiction.

The Importance of Close Management of Rent Payment Holidays

While it’s great that the UK Government is proving to be supportive and encouraging towards financial forbearance during the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s essential that landlords and letting agents manage the situation carefully to avoid difficulties in the future. 

Where rent payment holidays are agreed or other informal changes between landlords and tenants arise, a system must be put in place to help closely monitor, manage and record exactly what should be happening right now. It’s also important to have an eye to the future and have clarity on when and how any payment holidays or temporary rent reductions are repaid.

Government Issues New Guidance for Landlords During Lockdown

As the country settles in to lockdown and the idea that returning to 'normality' is months away, the Government has issued updated guidance for landlords and tenants. They include clarification on paying rent, confirmation that eviction notices shouldn't be pursued unless it’s absolutely essential and that urgent repairs and maintenance should still be carried out. 

Landlords shift from short-lets as Coronavirus takes hold

In a sudden shift from recent developments, there is evidence that landlords are shunning often more profitable short lets, in favour of longer-term tenancies. As the Coronavirus spread gathers pace and the Government announces wide-ranging measures of support across multiple industries, it appears the UK's residential lettings sector is also rallying around those in need, to do their part to ensure there are enough long-term rental homes available for those who need them.

Council may offer certain, 'good' landlords property improvement loans

Portsmouth City Council is considering offering property improvement loans to landlords who behave fairly and opt into a licensing scheme. The council is considering a five-year plan where, if certain conditions for landlords are met, then improvement loans could be approved to those landlords to help modernise and upgrade rental stock across the city.

Property Ombudsman Warns Landlords Not to Discriminate Against DSS Tenants

The Property Ombudsman (TPO) is warning landlords and letting agents that they should not discriminate against tenants through a no DSS policy or anything similar to that. The reminder follows two legal cases were the tenants won and settled out of court along with much press coverage over the past 18 months or so.