News

• Sep 23

  COVID-19

  We plan to continuously add updates here about the Corona Pandemic and how agents can mange and survive it. Check back daily to see the latest. The most recent news will appear at the top of this thread to make it easy to find. 
  
  23/09/21
  The Welsh Government have again extended The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Residential Tenancies: Extension of Period of Protection from Eviction) (No.3) (Wales) Regulations 2021. The notice period given to a tenant for possession, will remain at six months at least until 31 December 2021. Please see here for the updated regulations
  
  21/09/21
  The Government have today released further guidance for Moving Home, which applies to England.
  This covers best practice for how businesses can mitigate risks, carrying out viewings and moving into a property to help reduce the risk of spreading the infection as we head toward autumn and winter. Please see here for the updated guidance.
  
  09/09/21
  The Government have confirmed from 1 October 2021, the notice periods for section 21 and section 8 will return to the pre pandemic. This means for a section 21 notice the notice is valid for six months from time of service and a minimum of two months' notice is required to be given to the tenant.
  
  A section 8 notice is valid for 12 months form date of service. Depending upon which ground you wish to rely on the notice period can range from no notice period to two months' notice.
  

  
  Please see here for the updated regulations.

  
  TfP will update the prescribed forms for all our tenancy agreement subscribers ahead of 1 October 2021.

  
  

  
  8/9/21
  The UK Government has today confirmed that notice periods in England will return to pre covid period from the 1 October, when the current extension till the end of September runs out. This calls into question serving any notices between now and then as a notice served after 1 October may well be a faster route to court. They will retain the power to re-introduce longer notices if the pandemic justifies it. As the prescribed forms for England were updated from June this year it will require new prescribed forms from 1 October. The Form 6A may go back to the pre Covid one but the Form 3 will likely revert to the one from May 2021 that included breathing spaces information. We expect a new prescribed information order so watch this space.
  
  26/08/21
  The Right to rent checks for landlords and agents were due to change on 1 September. 2021. The Government have just released further guidance stating this date has now been deferred until 5 April 2022. Please see the link to the updated guidance here
  
  19/08/21
  The guidance for Moving home during coronavirus has been updated. The guidance also covers, self isolating and quarantine, face coverings and viewings.
  Please see the link to the guidance here
  
  22/7/21
  MHCLG have updated and reissued the Moving home during Covid 19 guide. They have slightly changed the name so the old link and version is no longer available. The new version, slightly confusingly, says "first published" 22 July 2021 but most of it is the same as the last guide, but the name changed a little. The main thing that has been included is the update for step 4 of unlocking.
  
  21/7/21
  At 10:03 last night the landlord, tenant and local authority guidance in respect of Covid 19 was updated to reflect the changes in step 4 of the unlocking. The revised guidance can be found here.
  
  At 8:03 last night MHCLG issued new guidance on possession claims for landlords and tenants in private and social rented property. It reflects the revised step 4 of unlocking. It can be found here.
  
  16/7/21
  There is updated guidance around step 4 of unlocking from the pandemic and working, including specific advice for working in offices. There is separate guidance for use of vehicles, linked on the same page. It can be found here.

  02/07/21

  Guidance on understanding the possession action process has been updated. The update mainly reflects changes in Wales, where a landlord has applied for possession of their property. From 1 July 2021 bailiff enforcement can once again proceed on the basis the landlord has a valid warrant of possession. Bailiffs do have to give the tenant 14 days’ notice before they execute the order.
  
  Whether this is with a section 21 or section 8 notice, six months’ notice is required until 30 September 2021, unless the notice is for serious anti-social behaviour.
  
  The guidance can be found here:
  
  21/6/21
  New guidance has been issued for landlords, tenants and local authorities in relation to coronavirus. The update also changes the evictions guidance. The changes have been made to reflect the delay in complete unlocking, now moving from 21 June and delayed for four weeks. The revised form of these documents can be found here.
  
  
  18/6/21
  Yesterday the Home Office announced that the temporarily adjusted Right to Rent checks introduced for Covid will NOT now stop on the 20 June as planned but will continue till 1 September.
  
  
  17/6/21
  Wales have just produced the new legislation for the extended rental periods due to Coronavirus beyond the end of June.
  The Coronavirus Act 2020 (Residential Tenancies: Extension of Period of Protection from Eviction) (No. 2) (Wales) Regulations 2021
  These Regulations amend Schedule 29 to the Coronavirus Act 2020 (“Schedule 29”).
  They are very simple and do not reduce notice periods from the current levels but extend the requirement till the end of September 2021. They can be found here.
  
  28/5/21
  2321 
  Possession guidance updated tonight (1831) to reflect the new shorter notice periods that apply from the 1 June. It can be found here.
  
  MHCLG have just released a new guide for landlords and tenant on possession. Although the law changes next week on notice periods in England the guidance has been updated today. Notices posted before the 1 June 2021 may need to comply with the new rules depending on the notice service requirements in your tenancy. The new guidance can be found here.
  
  
  17/5/21
  1345
  MHCLG have issued updated guidance on moving home. The changes reflect the unlocking from today in England. The new guidance can be found here. 
  
  MHCLG have this morning put out updated Landlord Guidance around coronavirus. It has been updated to deal with the change in the lockdown rules from today. The revised guidance can be found here.
  
  12/05/21
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  MHCLG have just announced their plans for reducing notices after the end of May 2021 in England. The details can be found here.
  
  1200
  The Home Office and Immigration enforcement have extended the temporary right to rent checks, which will remain in place until 20 June 2021. This means you can continue accepting a scanned copy or a photo of their documents, have a video call with them holding their documents next to them or online with the tenant present and their permission. From 21 June 2021 you will be required to check the original document or via online where the tenants will need to share a code with you. See here for the updated guidance.
  
  
  4/5/21
  This morning MHCLG has uploaded a new version of the section 8 notice. Note that it is not exactly the same as the version in the legislation put out last week. This reintroduces confusion about different versions and our advice below from March 2020 still applies.
  
  
  30/4/21
  Late this afternoon, revised possession guidance was uploaded to deal with the fact that reactivation notices ceased at 1600 on the 30 April 2021. The updated guidance can be found here.
  
  Legislation has just appeared changing the section 8 notice from the 4 May. The changes are to include information about breathing spaces. However, the really interesting thing is that the periods of notice are the periods that exist outside of the Coronavirus Act. This does not allow the shorter notice periods to be used as you still have to apply the Coronavirus Act wording that the section 8 notice "should be read as if it said" the longer notice periods. Those subscribing to the TFP tenancy agreement or support pack will be able to download a new section 8 notice before Tuesday.
  
  
  20/4/21
  The Home Office Guidance on right to rent checks has been updated today. They have confirmed that the temporary checks without seeing the actual document will continue till 16 May, matching other unlocking. Critically they have just announced that you DO NOT have to do the full check after the restrictions are lifted on those where the modified check was completed during Coronavirus. The announcement is here. Interestingly the announcement talks in the definite, it says these changes will happen on the 17 May. We would presume this is assuming the lockdown continues in the same direction of being eased and probably takes no account of any change of policy on that front.
  
  
  12/4/21
  Government advice on home moving and for letting agents has been updated to reflect the changes in the lockdown rules. As all non essential retail can now be open letting agents (and estate agents) no longer need an "appointment policy" for their offices. Social distancing and PPE still apply as before. The updated guidance can be found here.
  
  
  7/4/21
  Details of the new mediation trial have been published here.
  
  MHCLG have just updated two sets of guidance. The guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities has been updated to take account of the revised guidance on Coronavirus and what you can and cannot do and new guidance on the mediation pilot. The guidance is here.
  
  They have also updated the guidance on possession, including extending the life of a possession order nearing its expiry date as well as the longer bailiff restrictions and mediation pilot.
  
  The second guidance is here.
  
  
  23/03/21
  Welsh Housing Minister Julie James has announced an extension to The Tenancy Saver Loan Scheme that was launched back in October 2020. The scheme was only due to be available until 31 March 2021. However the scheme has now been extended until 30 September 2021 The scheme is designed to help tenants by providing affordable loans to clear any rent arrears due to the pandemic, whilst they continue to pay their rent. The announcement can be found here
  
  
  18/3/21
  Yesterday, Julie James the Welsh Housing Minister, laid regulations extending schedule 29 of the Coronavirus Act 2020 from the end of March to the end of June. This will mean that longer notices will continue to be required until the end of June 2021. The ban on enforcement of evictions will also be extended to the same date. The ban on evictions does not include an exemption for serious rent arrears. The regulations can be found here.
  
  
  12/3/21
  MHCLG have today updated the guide for landlords and agents on seeking possession during the pandemic. The update is to reflect the rules will remain in place till the 31 May and not end at the end of March as originally drafted. The updated guide can be found here.
  
  
  10/3/21

  MHCLG have just announced that the bailiffs ban will be extended through to 31 May 2021 and that the longer notice periods will also continue to apply. Legislation will be laid before Parliament today to this effect. The current exceptions for anti-social behaviour, serious rent arrears etc will continue to apply.

  They do not intend to introduce a cliff edge ending for longer notice from the first of June  but are looking at some form of phased reduction. They refer to “transition to the broader programme of reform” which is likely to mean scrapping of section 21, so they may not reduce that at all.

  Modifications to court hearings (review hearings, coronavirus impact statements etc) will remain in place till at lest July 2021.

  The amended regulations can be found here

  
  10/03/21
  New guidance has been published today regarding Shared and overcrowded housing - reducing the risk of infection. The guidance covers shared accommodation including HMO's, shared spaces in communal areas and overcrowding accommodations. 
  The new guidance can be found here
  
  
  26/2/21
  In true form, the late Friday update strikes again. The landlord, tenant and local authority guidance was updated at 1634 on the 26th Feb 2021. The update is links to the guidance on the changes to the possession rules from the 8 March. The new guidance can be found here.
  
  
  22/2/21
  The updated The Public Health (Coronavirus) (Protection from Eviction) (England) (No. 2) Regulations 2021 come into force today and extend the bailiff evictions ban till the End of March in England. They contain the same exemptions as previously, like anti-social behaviour, serious rent arrears etc. They can be found here.
  
  19/2/21
  Following this afternoon's release of updated landlord and tenant guidance, at 1852 they put out updated possession guidance reflecting the same changes to eviction rules and the mediation pilot. The latest version can be found here.
  
  At 1502 this afternoon MHCLG updated the Coronavirus guidance for landlords and tenants to reflect the extension of the eviction ban and the mediation pilot that is being trialled. It can be found here.
  
  15/2/21
  Interesting case here about a possession with £70,000 of rent arrears. However the landlord sought possession under section 21 and therefore did not qualify for the possession during the bailiff moratorium. This shows why we have advised against serving notices as this can have significant consequences. Clearly, with in excess 6 months rent arrears, using the section 8 notice would have allowed for the eviction during lockdown, using section 21 did not.
  
  Yesterday, (14.2.21, don't you just love it), the Government announced that the ban on evictions by bailiffs will be extended till 31 March 2021. The same exemptions that currently exist for things like more than 6 months of rent arrears and anti-social behaviour continue.
  
  3/2/21
  The reactivation notice has been updated on the gov.uk website. It has been updated to reflect the fact that it can now be served though to the end of April, rather than the original ending at the end of last week. the new form can be downloaded from here.
  
  1/2/21
  On Friday night Practice Direction 55C of the Civil Procedure Rules was amended. This is the part that required a "Reactivation Notice" to be served before 31 January for any claim stayed before 3 August. The date for the stayed claim now read 19 September, but not for the purpose of the reactivation notice, confusing. It is now required to serve a reactivation notice before 30 April, so landlords can leave claims stayed for longer. The period of validity of PD55C was meant to expire on the 28 March, making the last month of the above change void, so they have now extended the validity to the 30 July. This will also have the effect of requiring the coronavirus impact statement on all claims till 30 July.
  
  15/1/21
  The Public Health (Protection from Eviction) (Wales) (Coronavirus) Regulations 2021 have been passed for Wales. This has the effect of extending the bailiff enforcement ban until the end of March across Wales with limited exemptions. The regs can be found here, https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2021/12/contents/made
  
  12/1/21
  At 1703 yesterday updated guidance was issued about possession actions to reflect the extension of the bailiff enforcement ban till 8 March (in effect, though notices may be served 14 days before that). The revised guidance can be found here.
  
  11/1/21
  We mentioned on Friday about the extension to the eviction enforcement ban that will now effectively mean no bailiff evictions till 8 March. This does not mean cases cannot go to court, only that bailiffs will not enforce. However there is one small difference from the Christmas evictions ban in that the Christmas ban required 9 months of rent arrears predating Coronavirus. The amended regulations, The Public Health (Coronavirus) (Protection from Eviction) (England) Regulations 2021, only require 6 months of rent arrears and it does not stipulate these have to have accrued before Coronavirus. The equivalent Christmas ban in Wales has been extended till the end of March.
  
  8/1/21
  
  At 6pm this evening MHCLG issued updated guidance for landlords and tenant in relation to the lockdown. It can be found here.
  
  Updated advice on EPCs during lockdown has been released. It does not radically change the 'do it where this is safe and possible' advice. It can be found here.
  
  The government have just announced the ban on enforcing court orders will be extended in England and Wales till 22 February, at least. Note the 'at least' and they have clearly indicated it could be extended further. As the 22nd would be the first day bailiffs could serve 14 days notice of eviction the first evictions will not be till the 8th March at the earliest. As with the eviction ban over Christmas this will not cover the most serious cases of anti-social behaviour and rent arrears. Possession hearings will continue, the judgement simply will not be enforced. The press release can be found here.
  
  7/1/21
  The government guidance on moving home has just been updated to reflect the "lockdown" that is currently in place. It can be found here.
  
  6/1/21
  The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (No.3) and (All Tiers) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2021 amend The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (All Tiers) (England) Regulations 2020. Although the talk of a "national lockdown" these regulations actually this by putting all areas of England into Tier 4. Although legislation was passed before Christmas suspending almost all enforcement of court orders over Christmas and until the 11 Jan, as explained below, the original letter sent to bailiffs said to suspend evictions in any area that was locked down, and also over the Christmas period. The regulations that brought this into law automatically lapse on the 11th Jan but we can reasonably expect further legislation extending this for the period in which all areas are locked down.

  
  

  23/12/20
  Yesterday MHCLG sent out the following re Coronavirus:
  

  All,

  Further to the announcement at the weekend regarding the introduction of Tier 4, we wanted to get in touch to clarify what this means for renters. All measures currently in place – longer notice periods of six months, court rules and arrangements and restrictions on bailiff enforcement will continue to apply across all local tiers, including Tier 4.

  The current regulations regarding bailiff enforcement are in place until 11 January. This means that no eviction notices are to be served until 11 January at the earliest except in the most serious cases and, given the 14-day notice period required, no evictions are expected to be enforced until 25 January 2021. 

  The measures requiring landlords to provide longer notice periods of 6 months except in the most serious cases, such as anti-social behaviour and rent arrears of more than 6 months, apply across all tiers and are in place until 31 March 2021.

  Home moves can continue to take place across all tiers and landlords can take steps to carry out repairs and safety inspections across all tiers, provided these are undertaken in line with public health advice and the relevant coronavirus (COVID-19) legislation. Any relevant local advice should also be followed.

  Financial support measures also remain in place across all tiers – the Job Retention and Self Employment Support Scheme have recently been extended until the end of April and the application window for the mortgage payment holiday has been extended until the end of March 2021.

  We have updated our COVID-19 and Renting guidance to reflect that the national restrictions have ended and the return toa local tier approach. The updated guidance can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities (Last updated 19/02/21)

  The updated guidance on navigating the possession process for landlords and tenants in the social and private rented sectors is available at (Last updated 19/02/21) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/understanding-the-possession-action-process-guidance-for-landlords-and-tenants

  
  The Government is keeping the policy in this area under review and will provide more information on next steps in due course. We have taken unprecedented action to support renters during the pandemic and will continue to do so. 

  
  

  22/12/20
  Updated guidance on the court processes for possession has been issued this morning. It can be found here. It has been updated for Tier 4 .
  
  
  21/12/20
  1628 MHCLG have just (1620) released updated guidance for Landlords, Tenants and Local Authorities in relation to Covid 19. The changes are to reflect the new Tier 4 situation. The guidance can be found here.
  
  1331 An updated moving home guide has just been issued to reflect the new Tier 4. It can be found here. The changes confirm the housing market can remain open in all tiers, including the new tier 4 and that agents can continue operating in a Covid safe manner.
  
  0900
  Saturday's announcement of lock-down does not look to affect house moves (sales and rentals). As part of the problem is the new strain of the virus being even more infectious, the precautions already stated in the moving home guidance become even more important.
  
  16/12/20
  The Welsh Senedd have passed legislation suspending possession enforcement over Christmas across Wales. The law can be found here. As this includes serving a writ of possession (which is 14 days long) the earliest evictions will be 25 Jan as in England.
  
  14/12/20
  The Guidance for Landlords, Tenants and Local Authorities has been updated (yes again!). This time the change is to reflect the fact that self isolation has been reduced from 14 days to 10 days as from today. the revised guidance can be found here.
  
  10/12/20
  Although MHCLG have issued a new Guidance for Landlords, Tenants and Local Authorities, the updates are said to refer to shared lounges in specialist sheltered accommodation and retirement housing and canteens in extra care house. This will therefore be on no great interest to most readers.
  
  30/11/20
  A new "Moving Home" guidance was released at 1012 this morning. It is updated to reflect the new tiers starting on the 2/12. It can be found here.
  
  
  27/11/20
  The landlord and tenant guidance and the possessions guidance have both been updated this lunch time in preparation for the new tiered structure of lock down coming in next week. Landlord and tenant guidance here, possession guidance here. Possession updated again at 1406!
  
  
  18/11/20
  On the 17 November the guidance about landlords and tenants and the possessions guidance have been updated. They explain that the first 14 day bailiff notices will be served from the 11 January making the first actual possessions from the 25th. This is two weeks later than previously thought. The possessions guidance can be found here. The landlord and tenant guidance can be found here.
  
  17/11/20
  The Public Health (Coronavirus) (Protection from Eviction and Taking Control of Goods) (England) Regulations 2020 were laid yesterday and come into force today. They simply give a legal basis for the Lord Chancellor's request for bailiff (and High Court Enforcement Officers) not to take enforcement of court orders for possession during any period of lock down and over the Christmas period, 11 December to the 11 January. They will not apply to trespassers or claims wholly or partly on grounds 7 (where the property is unoccupied), 7A, 14, 14A or 17. Serious rent arrears is also excluded but this is nine months of arrears that must have accrued before 23 March. The full regs can be found here.
  
  
  16/11/20
  The moving home guidance has been revised this morning to reflect the national lock down. The revised guidance can be found here.
  
  6/11/20
  1420
  Guidance has also been issued on producing EPCs during the outbreak. The guidance was originally produced in April but was update 5 November to reflect the new lock down. It can be found here.
  
  1000
  MHCLG has issued updated guidance overnight following the imposition of the new national restrictions. Updated guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities can be found here. The guidance emphasises that repairs, essential and non-essential maintenance and other visits can and should still go ahead subject to them being in line with public health advice. Where a landlord is prevented from carrying out their obligations local authorities are advised to take a pragmatic approach. Work on the property should not take place in all but the most extreme emergencies if someone has tested positive or is self-isolating.
  
  Possession guidance here is updated to state that bailiffs have 'been asked' not to enforce evictions during the national restrictions and refers to the break on evictions between 11 Dec and 11 Jan. A press release here though identifies when evictions may still proceed including for example anti-social behaviour or where fraud induces the grant of a tenancy.
   
  
  3/11/20 1918
  The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (No.4) Regulations 2020 were laid before Parliament today. They can be found here. They are made under the Public Health (Control of Disease) Act 1984. As in March the basis is the you cannot leave your home without a reasonable excuse (regulation 5). Ignoring general reasons, such as to take exercise or to buy goods, reasons relevant to lettings include in 6(2)(g) a list of activities in relation to the sale or rental of a property. Regulation 4(a) allows for going to work where the work cannot reasonably be done from home. The ability for agents to continue transacting business does not mean fully open, it means opened with the previous restrictions of social distancing, visits only by appointment, record of visitors and all the other coronavirus precautions. Regulation 8 prohibits 2 people from different households meeting indoors, but regulation 11 in Part 3 allows meeting for the purpose of work or to move house, so a physical viewing, though to be minimised, can lawfully take place, as can a visit to the office. Regulation 14 is the last regulation in that part (gatherings) and requires "the manager" to carry out a risk assessment that would satisfy regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. This would require risk assessments for both offices and viewings/visits taking place in homes. Penalties can escalate as high as £6,400 after multiple offences. The regulations expire after 28 days. The Schedule contains a list of premises that can remain open (part 3, but not specifically stating estate or letting agent), however they do not get listed in part 1 or 2 either so we have to reply on the previous comments. These regulations largely confirm what we had already understood to be the facts, but it is always good to see the legislation. Ignoring the legislation, it would be good practise for agents to minimise contact with staff in the office (work from home if possible, the law requires this) but avoid visits to property too where possible. Indeed there is an argument that visiting for a periodic visit is not "required for the rental" as it is about the management. After all, we all want the lock-down to work so that the restrictions can be removed.
  
  2/11/20
  In the words of the ABBA song, Here we go again! Another national lockdown was announced on Saturday night. As Parliament will have to vote on this measure we do not yet know the details until Parliament agrees. The announcement with some indication on what can be expected can be found here. They say it will be less severe with the plan to leave schools open. The Housing Minister says moving can continue, though it is hard to reconcile that with the "stay at home message" at the start of the above link. The devil is always in the detail and until we get the legislation it is impossible to be sure of anything. The announcement is of a four week lockdown, though in March they announced a three week lockdown that lasted three months! we will update when further details are released.
  
  19/10/20
  The Welsh Government have announced that from Friday 23/10 to Monday 9 November Wales will have a national "lockdown". As all non essential retail will be required to close lettings and estate agents offices will have to close. This is pretty clear for the actual sales and lettings but the ongoing management of existing properties will presumably have to continue (even if managed from home) to avoid a tenant being without heating and hot water for over two weeks. FAQs here https://gov.wales/coronavirus-circuit-break-frequently-asked-questions
  
  7/10/20
  The Welsh Government announced they were going to provide tenant rent loans to help the rent arrears situation. Details of the scheme have been announced and can be found at  

  https://gov.wales/scheme-help-tenants-affected-coronavirus-launches-wales

  The guidance is here https://gov.wales/apply-loan-help-pay-your-rent-arrears-due-coronavirus

  
  1/10/20
  The guidance on working in other people's homes has been updated. The revised guidance can be found here (Last updated 10/02/21) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes
  
  28/9/20
  New legislation laid before the Welsh assembly today making changes to the rules for notices in Wales. This includes the anticipated change that 6 month notices do not cease at the end of September but continue till 31 March 2021. It also changes the rules around possession for anti-social behaviour by reverting ground 7A and 14 to the position that existed before the Coronavirus Act came into force. Notably, regardless of the level of rent arrears six months notice is required. Whilst this seems very serious, to mitigate it they have provided the rent loans. Full details can be found here https://www.legislation.gov.uk/wsi/2020/1044/contents/made
  
  22/9/20
  The Government have announced that from Thursday, 24/9 all retail workers will have to wear face masks. Currently shoppers have to wear masks but the staff don't. This is now set to change and it will affect most letting agents as they will fall into the definition of retail. Minister have confirmed their intention that agents should comply. This will make having more staff working from home attractive as they will not need to wear masks. We await sight of the actual legislation. The legislation is here https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/1029/regulation/2/made
  
  Chris Pincher MP has confirmed the bailiff "truce" will be from the 11 December till the 11 January.
  
  
  21/9/20
  The courts open today but with very different rules. make you sure don't commence or continue action without being sure you know and follow the new rules. The courts are not likely to be very sympathetic as all the restrictions are in place to protect tenants.
  
  New guidance for people who are a contact of someone with a confirmed case of Coronavirus, including a legal obligation to self isolate from the 28 September 2020. The guidance can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-for-contacts-of-people-with-possible-or-confirmed-coronavirus-covid-19-infection-who-do-not-live-with-the-person (Last updated 20/9/20)
  
  Last week new guidance was put out for possession actions, it can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/understanding-the-possession-action-process-guidance-for-landlords-and-tenants/understanding-the-possession-action-process-a-guide-for-private-landlords-in-england-and-wales (Last updated 17/9/20)
  
  
  18/9/20
  The justice department have release information about how the courts will work after they open on Monday. This is an update on the guidance mentioned two days ago. The new arrangements can be read about here https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Possession-Proceedings-Overall-Arrangements-Version-1.0-17.09.20.pdf     They have also issued a range of notices and documents, including a sample reactivation notice. The reactivation notice is not a prescribed form so this one does not 'have' to be used, but it would make is easy. These documents can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/reactivation-notice-for-property-possession
  
  16/9/20
  As predicted the Welsh Government have confirmed that the longer notices will apply till the end of March 2021, matching the length announced for England. The actual legislative details are not yet available.
  
  Further details of how the courts will prioritise cases have also been released. Anti social behaviour will feature highly as will rent arrears of over 12 months' rent (or nine months' rent arrears if the rent amounts to over 25% of the landlord's total income) and domestic violence. As an added delay hearing will need to first have a ore trial "review". 21 days notice is required of this review date and then there must be a further 28 days before the actual hearing. Other rules apply too. The courts may open but this is far from business as usual.
  
  There is also announced a "pre action protocol" produced by the NRLA about what landlords should do to manage arrears and avoid possession claims. This give 9 golden rules and lists five steps that should be taken before notice is issued. MHCLG and HMCTS will both provide further guidance documents in the coming days.
  
  14/9/20
  New court form N5B is now up on the web site again. This is not the previous one made available again as the previous one was dated 04/20 and this one is 08/20.
  
  
  11/9/20 
  1412. The new limit on gatherings of 6 people do not apply to work so do not apply to offices.
  
  1100. A new press release has been issued and can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-sets-out-comprehensive-support-for-renters-this-winter It promises "protection for tenants over the winter" and contains some interesting comments. As a press release it has to be read a little less accurately compared to legislation but still interesting. The first point is the interrelation between unlocking the courts and local lock-downs. It makes it clear local lock-down takes priority and not evictions will take place during lock-down(note evictions not court cases). It also explains evictions will not happen where there are restrictions on meeting in peoples homes. Considering there will be a restriction in all areas from Monday, limited to 6 people, how are they going to define what a restriction is?
  
  Secondly, it says there will be no evictions over the weeks of Christmas, though "weeks" is not defined and both of these measures seem to be regardless of the reason. The paragraph explaining that they will now allow court cases for anti-social behaviour is interesting for the little comment at the end "The only exceptions to this are the most egregious cases, including where tenants have demonstrated anti-social behaviour or committed fraud, and the landlord rightly would like to re-let their property to another tenant." Note the link to landlords who want to re-let, not those wanting to leave the market. This may be a press release loose phrasing but interesting.
  
  
  3/9/20
  1221
  An examination of the new prescribed form regulations shows that the new prescribed from is the same as the version MHCLG issued on the 2/9/20. The new Prescribed From, which can be found here https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/924/contents/made. It has been updated from what was issued Friday to remove the cross reference to the notes. The check is that in para 3 it should not have the bit that says “(see notes accompanying this form)”. This change also removes any doubt about which version of the notice to use as there is a new prescribed form.
  
  
  1030
  A new form of prescribed section 21 notice was issued yesterday. This change is "official" in that they have actually issued a new prescribed from and suspended para 12(2) of the Coronavirus Regulations which made the previous amendments. This is exactly why we warned not to serve these notice at this time. We don't expect any major changes but will update.
  
  2/9/20
  Today MHCLG have uploaded a revised section 21 notice (yes revised since the one they issued Friday!) It is a small correction where they had left a cross reference to some notes that have been removed. For TFP tenancy agreement subscribers a revised version is on the web site for downloading.
  
  1/9/20
  The guidance on moving home has been updated to include information on wearing face coverings. It can be found here (Last Updated 07/01/21)  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak?utm_source=51131f88-4c29-4928-b400-e18c2734a314&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=daily#history
  
  29/8/20
  For users of the TFP documents we have uploaded revised versions of the section 21 and section 8 notices this morning. Remember that what counts is the date of service so if a notice was posted Thursday or Friday it would need to have been the new notice so may need reserving. Just to repeat our advice at this uncertain time, we recommend you avoid serving notice and get the solicitor doing the court work to serve it as part of the process.
  
  Revised technical guidance on notice serving is here.
  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/913301/Technical_Guidance_on_Eviction_Notices_August_update.pdf
  
  28/8/20
  Today legislation has been laid before Parliament amending notice periods for section 8 and section 21 notices. It can be found here https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/914/contents/made. A press release can explaining it can be found here https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-has-changed-the-law-so-most-renters-have-a-6-month-notice-period.
  In simple terms the section 21 notice has been extended to 6 months and the section 8 notice has been altered so that different grounds have different notice periods. These are now anything from no notice (ground 14 anti social behaviour) to six months long. 
  
  26/8/20
  A small revision to the practice direction on possession has been issued and can be found here http://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/civil/cpr-124-pd-update.pdf It simply replaces the August court dates with the September ones. It does not change the 3 August date after which the reactivation notice was not needed.
  
  25/8/20
  The Welsh Government have issued updated guidance around the extension of the court suspension till 20 September. It happens through the same legislation as England. The updated guidance is here (Last updated 27/10/20) https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-landlords-and-managing-agents-in-the-private-rented-sector-html?utm_source=Twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialSignIn
  
  21/8/20  1700 
  The Government have announced that notice periods will be extended to 6 months until 31 March 2021 in England. Again we are awaiting the details and we will update this page when we have them.
  
  1250
  Looks like court possession dates have been pushed back to the 20 September. Not got the details yet but it is very much as we expected in some form.
  
  20/8/20
  We were made aware last Friday (14/8/20) that the N5B court application form for accelerated possession had "disappeared" from the internet. We initially thought this was purely administrative. We contacted MHCLG but have not yet seen any response and the form is still missing. The question has to be is this related to the "further measures" the Housing Minister referred to in his comments that we reported on the 27 July, below? Watch very closely in the next few days leading up to the courts reopening on Monday.
  
  
  12/8/20
  

  On 11 August the Welsh Government announced that from September 2020 they are introducing a scheme to help tenants pay any arrears dating back from 1 March 2020. Once the tenant has applied, and if successful, the loan will be paid directly to the landlord. The tenant will have up to 5 years to pay the 1% interest loan back to the provider. This will mean that landlords will not be able to evict the tenant for serious rent arrears. 

  https://gov.wales/welsh-government-unveils-package-support-keep-people-their-homes-and-end-homelessness

  
  27/7/20
  On the 20 July Robert Jenrick, the Minster for Housing, Communities and Local Government replied to a question from Wera Hobhouse, an MP for Bath and said he hoped to make an announcement  in the coming weeks to further help renters facing eviction. He said:

  “For several weeks I have been in exactly those sorts of conversations with the Lord Chancellor who holds the relationship with the judiciary and with the Master of the Rolls.

  “The Lord Chancellor has already set out some initiatives today and I’m hopeful that further announcements will be made shortly to provide exactly the kind of protection that she’s asking for.”

  This supports our view that the practice direction changes announced last week are not the end of the matter, but rather the first step in a range of measures.

  On the 10 July new regulations were laid in respect of working during Corona virus in Wales. They repealed the previous version of the regulations and basically rewrite the rules. They were amended again on the 27th July and importantly the rule about only doing viewings on accompanied properties has been removed allowing viewings in Wales of occupied or unoccupied properties. (updated 28/7/20)
  
  24/7/20
  With the introduction of the requirement to wear face coverings in "shops" as from today the question arises as to whether this applies to agents premises. The regulations, The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Wearing of Face Coverings in a Relevant Place) (England) Regulations 2020 can e found here https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/791/contents/made. Whilst there is no definitive answer we believe it does apply as the guidance covers shops and "branches" and lists things like banks and post offices. See regulation 2 where shops are defined as "any building, room or other indoor establishment which is open to the public in whole or in part and is used wholly or mainly for the purposes of retail sale or hire of goods or services, but not including the premises listed in Part 2 of the Schedule". Agents are not listed in Schedule 2. Essentially we see the difference being a question of if in normal times you would expect people to walk in off the street (even if fee paying entry) whereas the office guidance is for locations where staff or the occasionally arranged visitor comes. Those working in shops are not required to wear face coverings but it is recommended. Offices where staff cannot be spread out sufficiently may already be wearing face coverings. This is not about the wearer "catching" something it is about the wearer wearing it to protect other people so clearly it would make sense for staff to wear face coverings to show they care about those who visit the premises.
  
  Yesterday (23 July) new regulations were laid is Wales that say that any section 21 notice served from today (24 July) has to be at least six months long. A similar rule applies to section 8 notices unless possession is being sought on grounds 7A or 14, when it remains at 3 months. It does not affect notices already served and still only applies up to end of the "relevant period", currently 30 September 2020, but the Coronavirus Act allows for this time  "relevant period" to be extended (the act covers a period of 2 years!).
  
  22/7/20
  Following on from the announcement on Friday about court hearings from the 23 August, yesterday the draft practice direction was published. Claims made before 3 August (and that don't yet have a final possession order in place) are immediately stayed and will need a "reactivation notice" before they recommence. The reactivation notice will have to be served for 42 days and be served after 23 August (an immediate 6 week delay). It must be accompanied by an up to date rent history of the last two years (or presumably since the beginning of the tenancy if less than 2 years) and information about the impact of Coronavirus on the tenant (for example if they were furloughed. lost their job, were vulnerable and shielding etc. This notice asks the court to proceed with the claim and a copy must be given to the court and the tenant. If the reactivation notice is not served by 29 Jan 2021 then the cases will be automatically stayed.
  
  For claims made after 3 August 2020 the reactivation notice won't be necessary but will have temporary rules till 28 March 2021 (unless extended). These temporary rules, for example, remove the normal requirement to hear a case within 8 weeks. This allows a much longer potential delay till a hearing. Though the reactivation notice is not required the landlord will still be required to set out what he knows about the impact of Coronavirus on the tenant. This applies for section 8 claims and accelerated possession claims. As we have said before, during these times our advice is that landlords who have to go to court engage a competent solicitor to carry out the whole process.
  
  19/7/20
  On Friday evening new regulations were published that start the process of amending how courts will wok after 23 August. We don't yet have all the details but these will no doubt come out in the coming weeks. If you served notice or had a case running before the lock down you will have to serve a reactivation notice. The regs we do have can be found here https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/751/made. Expect limited access to courts and more delays. Claimants will have to identify the impact of Coronavirus on their tenants. This is clearly an unusual situation and all landlords would be well advised to have a solicitor carry out the whole process, from serving notice to court action to ensure these new rules are followed.
  
  Probably the most useful read is the explanatory memorandum. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/751/pdfs/uksiem_20200751_en.pdf 
  
  
  13/7/20
  We have been made aware of this link to Coronavirus guidance in many different languages. (Last updated 15/12/20)
  

  https://www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk/coronavirus-information/ 

  
  10/7/20
  As we head to a time when the courts open the question of which section 21 notice to use will become important. First the MHCLG advice is that agents and landlords should avoid serving notice if possible. Although the courts will start hearing case from the 24 August, there is a working group looking at this and they may not hear all types of case. For example, they may not hear mandatory rent arrears or section 21 cases, to allow the judge discretion. Secondly, if you do have to serve notice we always say that the safest thing is to get the solicitor who will take it to court to serve the notice as then they will be happy with the notice and how it was served. As it is unclear if the Coronavirus Act actually changed the notice or simply changed how the notice should be read (the language in the legislation). Users of the TFP tenancy pack will have to decide whether they want to use the old, the new, or both, notices if they serve them themselves. Sadly interpretation of legislation is usually through court cases but with all court cases suspended there is no way of getting clarification till it is too late. Thirdly, with section 8 notices, we are now about two and a half months till the Coronavirus Act expires (assuming it is not extended). Therefore from the latter part of July onward it may be better to not serve section 8 for three months but to wait till the end of September and then just serve 14 days notice for rent arrears. Your choice but at least consider the best option. Obviously for section 21 notices this will only apply from the beginning of September.
  
  30/6/20
  We have uploaded some new coming out of lock down and Covid 19 documents to reflect some changes in the guidance (2 metre rule could be one plus, and other changes). The revised documents are R1-3 in the Coming out of lock down info and R2-5 in the Covid 1 documents.
  
  
  26/6/20
  On the 23/6/20 the Government put out guidance about businesses that will be allowed to open from the 4 July. This does not affect agents who are already allowed to open. However the guidance says all businesses should keep a record of people visiting their premises for 21 days. We had previously suggested 14 days. It would be wise to update the privacy policy and systems to follow this extended time period. The advice can be found at (last updated 14/01/21) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/opening-certain-businesses-and-venues-in-england-from-4-july-2020
  
  22/6/20
  From today house moves in Wales will gradually open up. It is not a complete unlocking, rather an easing. Purchases that were already arranged can go ahead. Viewings of unoccupied properties can take place and people can travel further than 5 miles in order to undertake move related activities. The guidance says initial viewing should be online and only really allows viewings and letting of empty properties. These are all permitted through changes brought in by the 6th amendment to the coronavirus legislation.
  Updated guidance can be found here https://gov.wales/moving-home-during-coronavirus-pandemic (Last updated 11/01/21)
  
  
  11/6/20
  We have updated the Coming out of Lock down and COVID-19 documents packs. You will find Advice and guidance for a householder R1-2 and Advice and guidance for working in office R1-2 in the Coming out of Lock down folder.
  In the COVID-19 folder, the updated files you will find are: COVID-19 Advice for agents R2-4, COVID-19 Email for tenants R2-4 and COVID-19 Information for landlords R2-4.
  
  8/6/20
  As we expected, the Government has extended the suspension of possession proceeding by two months. This means that there will be no court action for tenants living in private and social housing until after 23 August.

  www.gov.uk/government/news/ban-on-evictions-extended-by-2-months-to-further-protect-renters

  
  1/6/20
  The Coronavirus Health Protection Legislation has been amended as from today by the amendment number 3 regulations. This completely rewrites regulation 6. Some of the guidance has also been updated. We are currently working through what has changed.
  
  
  20/5/20
  The Welsh Government have issued guidance about self isolating if you live in a shared house. Whilst strictly for Wales, many of the principles will apply to England too. It is an area we have raise with MHCLG that guidance is lacking for England. It contains some "interesting" advice including the very logical advice not to share toothbrushes!! (Last updated 29/09/20)
  https://gov.wales/self-isolating-your-shared-home-during-coronavirus-pandemic
  
  There is also guidance for those struggling to pay their rent. (Last updated 02/12/20)
  https://gov.wales/problems-paying-your-rent-during-coronavirus-pandemic
  
  Yesterday there was updated guidance put out for working environments. It is difficult to find so we have a link below. It can also be found if you go to any guide and where is says updated 19 May then "See all updates". This link will take you to the 19 May update and the 5 steps that should be taken. (Last updated 10/02/21)
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/5-steps-to-working-safely
  
  
  13/5/20
  Today is the day the The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) (England) (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2020 come into force. They change the lockdown rules in several ways but the important part for sales and lettings is sub para (L) that now reads:
  

  l)to undertake any of the following activities in connection with the purchase, sale, letting or rental of a residential property—

  (i)visiting estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes;

  (ii)viewing residential properties to look for a property to buy or rent;

  (iii)preparing a residential property to move in;

  (iv)moving home;

  (v)visiting a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property;

  
  From this it is clear the property business can A) reopen the offices, B) do what is necessary to sell or let properties. Agents have always been able to travel to properties but this now says that the prospective tenants and purchasers can also go.
  
  It does, of course, raise some interesting points. An empty house may not present too many problems but what if the property is currently occupied? It is not uncommon that tenants do not want viewings before moving in a normal market and we can only assume this would be even more likely in the current climate. Then what about the situation where the current tenant is shielding? The Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974 is not changed and under this legislation: "It shall be the duty of every employer to conduct his undertaking in such a way as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that persons not in his employment who may be affected thereby are not thereby exposed to risks to their health or safety." This is the start of section 3, section 2 imposes the same basic responsibility for employees.  A member of staff does not even have to fall ill for the agency to have committed an offence, the fact there is a risk is sufficient to commit and offence. Restarting working will have to be done under social distancing rules with sufficient precautions in place to make sure all reasonable steps to avoid harm have been taken. The guidance says social distancing "must" be observed.
  
  The guidance on moving home has also been updated and they make the point this is NOT a return to normality. They talk about "vacating your property whilst others are shown around" and highlight moves should be planned with the possibility for another lockdown or a delay caused by someone self isolating. The guidance makes it clear those self isolating or showing symptoms should not be viewing or moving (nor presumably having viewings done in their home). Practical advice includes leaving doors open, not having children on viewings if possible, limit the number of people on the viewing, no open house viewings, cleaning surfaces and door handles before and after a viewing. The latest information can be found here: (Last updated 07/01/21) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak.
  
  Previous guidance said properties should not be put on the market but this new guidance changes that to say you can, with appropriate precautions, put a property on the market.
  
  Slightly confusingly the guidance talks about washing your hands frequently as though during a viewing people are expected to to this and it even suggests paper towels be provided. Having strangers looking around a property can feel intrusive enough, asking them to wash their hands several times during a viewing may be more than many will accept. The guidance talks about the homeowner having to clean all the surfaces and door handles before and after viewings and as this logically would apply to the current tenant. One can see there is likely to be some resistance to allowing viewings till after the current tenant leaves.
  
  The guidance says agent should have an appointment system for visiting the office, not a general open office. They and anyone on the viewing should wash their hands or use sanitiser immediately on entering a property.
  
  Though the moving home guidance has been updated the specific guidance for landlords and tenants does not appear to have been updated as the edit date is still the 28 March.
  
  Yes we are open for business but not in any normal sense of the words.
  
  Yesterday in Parliament Rishi Sunak, Chancellor of the Exchequer, announced and extension of the furlough scheme till October. Though the principle seems ot have been extended it appears the revised scheme may be slightly less generous with the employer possibly being asked to contribute towards the money the furloughed employee receives. It is also unclear about the transition between the current scheme and this revised proposal.
  
  On the 11 May the guidance about working in other people's homes was released. It contains the following important point about PPE when working in someone else's home: When managing the risk of COVID-19, additional PPE beyond what you usually wear is not beneficial. This is because COVID-19 is a different type of risk to the risks you normally face in a workplace, and needs to be managed through social distancing, hygiene and fixed teams or partnering, not through the use of PPE.
  
  This makes it pretty clear it is not a requirement to wear PPE just because you are in someone else's home. The full guidance on working in someone else's home can be found here (Last updated 10/02/21) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes.
  
  The same comment is made about working in offices here: (Last updated 10/02/21) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/offices-and-contact-centres and for shops here: (Last updated 10/02/21) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/shops-and-branches
  

  
  

  12/5/20
  Yesterdays guidance on loosening the lockdown does not make any specific references to estate or letting agency. In fact it simply restated the principle that was already in the legislation, work from home if you can and work from work if you have to but in a social distancing way. Other potential changes are further in the future. Guidance is promised about how businesses should operate with staff at work.
  
  There was a Court of Appeal case on if the Practice Direction 51Z (stopping almost all property possession claims) was lawful. Judgement was handed down yesterday and the mortgage lender who brought the case lost on all grounds. This simply confirms that the current 90 day ban on court cases still stands and is enforceable.
  
  
  28/4/20
  Guidance for social landlords on when it is reasonable for people to move. (Last updated 07/01/21)
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak#social-landlords
  
  22/4/20
  On the 17 March the Welsh Government issued updated guidance for landlords and tenants. The revised guidance can be found here https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-tenants-in-the-private-rented-sector-html
  
  
  21/4/20
  The practice direction that prevents normal housing claims has been clarified that it does not include claims against trespassers and that it does not exclude injunction claims (like getting in to do a gas safety check) only possession. (Last updated 11/06/20)
  https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/civil/rules/part51/practice-direction-51z-stay-of-possession-proceedings,-coronavirus
  
  
  20/4/20
  Today is the first day for making a claim for the money spend paying furloughed workers. New guidance on this was issued on Friday and can be found at (Last updated 17/12/20) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/claim-for-wage-costs-through-the-coronavirus-job-retention-scheme
  
  
  16/4/20
  It have been suggested that if a property is empty and cannot be re-let due to Coronavirus restrictions then you should try claiming a Class G exemption. Class G includes:
  
  

  Occupation prohibited by law.

  • The property must be unoccupied and unfurnished.
  • Occupation must be prohibited by law (including a closing order or demolition order) or kept unoccupied by reason of action taken under powers granted by or under any Act of Parliament with a view to prohibiting its occupation or to acquiring it such as a compulsory purchase order).
  • The exemption does not apply to actions between individuals or companies under contract law such as restriction orders and does not apply if the property is occupied by squatters who choose to occupy even though prohibited by law.

  As the coronavirus regulations make it against the law to let the property unless the move is "reasonably necessary" then it would seem to fit the criteria. I expect most councils will not have thought of this and being different there may be some push back but got to be worth trying.
  
  
  9/4/20
  1121
  Guidance has been produced for different business sectors and how they can work complaint with the social distancing requirements in the work place. It can be found here:(Last updated 10/02/21) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/social-distancing-in-the-workplace-during-coronavirus-covid-19-sector-guidance It includes retail, construction and maintenance in peoples homes.
  
  
  8/4/20
  1117
  With a large dose of irony, MHLC have just put out an updated model tenancy agreement, just we we should not be setting up new tenancies unless "reasonably necessary"! They say it is updated for COVID-19 but it still refers to two months notice for section 21 (and rightly so or the landlord would have to give three months' notice even after the temporary rules are relaxed).
  
  1024
  This confirms that the rent announcement by the Government is not a holiday but a deferred payments scheme. IE the tenant does have to pay the rent but can pay it later by agreement with the landlord (and possessions require three months notice and are delayed for three months so even if there is no actual agreement, there is little the landlord can do). (Last updated 29/5/20) https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2020-03-18.HL2766.h&s=rent holiday#gHL2766.r0 However, importantly, the full rent is legally due.
  
  Whilst on the subject, let us add a comment about rent deferment. It is important to understand three things about this. Firstly any rent deferred is not legally due so will not count towards a ground 8 rent arrears claim. This could delay the point at which the ground 8 trigger happens and therefore delay the possession action. Our advice is that you do not agree to defer but equally you assure the tenant that due to the current circumstances you will not be actively seeking possession for any rent arrears.  you might add that "as long as you are convinced they are paying what they can" or other caveats. This better preserves you position. Secondly do not agree deferment without the agreement of landlord and any rent guarantee insurance company. Not getting agreement could invalidate rent guarantee insurance. Thirdly, it would be wise to get the agreement of the guarantor. This is because anything that increases the guarantor's liability could see them off the hook so make sure they agree as a precaution. (The increased risk might be argued to be from allowing thousands of pounds of rent arrears to accrue).
  
  
  7/4/20
  1500
  In no way related to Covid 19 but there has been a new N5B court application form issues. Something of an irony when the courts are closed for part 55 claims so you can't use it for three months! Massive warning, it has ballooned to 18 pages and wants copies of all the gas safety records and tenancy agreements the tenant has had. You might need 3 months furloughed to work out the new form. It is likely to increase the cost of possessions as there is a lot more preparation work to be done.
  
  
  6/4/20
  1515
  Guidance has been issued for landlords and managing agents of properties in Wales here (Last updated 27/10/20) https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-landlords-and-managing-agents-private-rented-sector
  
  Guidance has been issued for tenants of properties in Wales here https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-tenants-private-rented-sector
  
  Guidance has been issued for local authorities enforcing housing standards (Last updated 02/07/20) https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-local-authorities-enforcing-standards-rented-properties
   
  
  1453 
  Late Friday we spotted MHCLG has changed then notes document they produce to accompany the Form 6A section 21 notice. We don't usually track this document but notices the "last updated" date had changed for the page and this was what changed. The guidance can be found here (Last updated 29/08/20)   https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/878101/Form_6a_Notes_revised_01_04_2020.pdf
  
  
  3/4/20
  1150
  New guidance was issued yesterday clarifying that estate agents and letting agents do qualify for business rate relief schemes. Previously they had been on a list of exemptions. Unlike the rates grants, which have a rateable value cap, this benefit is available regardless of rateable value. You will find letting agents listed on page 6 (Last updated 19/05/20) of https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877758/Expanded_Retail_Discount_Guidance_02.04.20.pdf
  
  0900
  New guidance on EPCs and Coronavirus. As the Government don't think people should be moving then there should be no reason to commission an EPC. If the move is necessary the the EPC can be conducted following social distancing rules. They do say EPCs can be conducted where a property is vacant  (only if the move is unavoidable) but should not take place where anyone is self-isolating, sick or shielding. The full guidance is here (Last updated 08/01/21) https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-energy-performance-certificates?utm_source=28b60fef-9398-4f38-9b6a-519b343effa2&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
  
  
  1/4/20
  1544
  House of Commons Briefing paper on support available during the COVID-19 outbreak. (Last updated 16/02/21)  https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8867/
  
  1440
  Guidance for small business grant (Last updated 08/20) guidance https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877286/small-business-grant-fund-and-retail-guidance-v3.pdf
  
  
  31/3/20
  1007
  Right to rent checks are modified during the Coronavirus outbreak. You have always been able to use a live video instead of face to face but they are allowing that you see copies of the documents, not the originals (not normally allowed). The full guidance can be read here https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-landlord-right-to-rent-checks
  
  Note, these checks are temporary and full checks will have to be undertaken when this temporary measure is reversed. As the guidance is that moves should only take place if they are absolutely necessary, there should not be many checks to do. They also reference the fact that some tenants may need a "follow up check" (end of 12 months of their right to rent) and these should be done retrospectively after the temporary changes brought in for COVID-19 have been lifted.
  
  0900
  We have updated our COVID-19 documents. If you are a Tenancy Agreement, Management Forms, Support Pack subscriber or you have purchased the live or recorded COVID-19 webinar you will be able to download the updated documents from your account on this web site. The documents and recording can be purchased in the web site shop, follow the link at the top of this page. If you are not sure how to access your online account please ring the office on 01258 85 85 85.
  
  
  30/3/20
  1050 (Last updated 08/20)
  I thought it might be useful to bring all the COVID-19
  links together. So here the relevant ones are:
  Guidance for landlords and tenants
  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/876500/Consolidated_Landlord_and_Tenant_Guidance_COVID_and_the_PRS_v4.2.pdf
  
  Main Coronavirus page
  https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus
  
  Support for businesses (Last updated 10/02/21)
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guidance-to-employers-and-businesses-about-covid-19
  
  Guidance on claiming Universal Credit
  https://www.gov.uk/how-to-claim-universal-credit
  
  Guidance to the courts on prioritising applications to adjourn (Last updated 19/3/20)
  https://www.judiciary.uk/announcements/coronavirus-covid-19-message-from-the-lord-chief-justice-to-judges-in-the-civil-and-family-courts/
  
  Technical guidance on possessions for landlord (this contains a few errors so be careful) (Last updated 08/20)
  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/876502/Technical_Guidance_COVID_19_PRS_v3.pdf
  
  General guidance for landlords and tenants (Last updated 19/02/21)
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-landlords-and-tenants
  Enforcement guidance for local authorities (Last updated 19/02/21)
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities/guidance-for-local-authorities
  
  Further guidance on repairs and property visits (Last updated 14/01/21)
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance#work-carried-out-in-peoples-homes
  
  Stay at home guidance (Last updated 22/02/21)
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-alert-and-safe-social-distancing
  
  Guidance on cleaning the home to avoid contamination
  useful for contractor visits for cleaning before and after (Last updated 16/10/20)
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings
  
  Guidance on  shared accommodation and possible infection (Last updated 15/02/21)
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
  
  Gas Safe Register advice (Last updated 25/01/21)
  https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/covid-19-advice-and-guidance/
  
  Guidance on moving home (Last updated 07/01/21)
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
  
  Guidance on self isolation (Last updated 15/02/21)
  https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
  
  Right to rent guidance (Last updated 30/3/20)
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-landlord-right-to-rent-checks
  
  Guidance for small business grant  guidance (Last updated 08/20)   https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877286/small-business-grant-fund-and-retail-guidance-v3.pdf
  
  House of Commons Briefing paper on support available during the COVID-19 outbreak. (Last updated 16/02/21)
  https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8867/
  
  Guidance on EPCs and Coronavirus. As the Government don't think people should be moving then there should be no reason to commission an EPC. If the move is necessary the the EPC can be conducted following social distancing rules. They do say EPCs can be conducted where a property is vacant  (only if the move is unavoidable) but should not take place where anyone is self-isolating, sick or shielding. The full guidance is here.      (Last updated 08/01/21) 
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-energy-performance-certificates?utm_source=28b60fef-9398-4f38-9b6a-519b343effa2&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
  
  Guidance clarifying that estate agents and letting agents do qualify for business rate relief (Last updated 02/04/20) schemes.  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/877758/Expanded_Retail_Discount_Guidance_02.04.20.pdf
  
  Guidance has been issued for landlords and managing agents of properties in Wales here (Last updated 27/10/20) 
  https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-landlords-and-managing-agents-private-rented-sector
  
  Guidance has been issued for tenants of properties in Wales here (Last updated 06/07/20) https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-tenants-in-the-private-rented-sector-html
  
  Guidance has been issued for local authorities enforcing housing standards (Last updated 02/07/20)
  https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-local-authorities-enforcing-standards-rented-properties
   
  
  MHCLG notes document to accompany the Form 6A section 21 notice. The guidance can be found here (Last updated 29/08/20)
  https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/878101/Form_6a_Notes_revised_01_04_2020.pdf
  
  Guidance has been produced for different business sectors and how they can work compliant with the social distancing requirements in the work place. (Last updated 10/02/21)
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/social-distancing-in-the-workplace-during-coronavirus-covid-19-sector-guidance 
  
  
  0903
  Welcome to week two of COVID-19 lockdown. Over the
  weekend MHCLG put out another guide for landlords and
  tenants. It can be found here (Last updated 08/20) https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/876500/Consolidated_Landlord_and_Tenant_Guidance_COVID_and_the_PRS_v4.2.pdf
  Usefully it makes it clear that tenants should expect to
  pay their rent and to utilise support available to do that.
  It say local authorities should adjust their enforcement 
  due to the limited ability of landlords to do works. It says
  where safe and reasonable the tenant should allow 
  contractors access to inspect or remedy urgent health and
  safety issues. They include a non exhaustive list including
  roof leaking, boiler broken, no washing or toilet, fridge or
  washing machine broken, security issues and equipment
  relied on by a disabled person. This is really helpful and
  the link could be emailed to tenants.
  Reassuringly the guidance makes it clear that if the landlord
  has taken all reasonable steps to comply they will not be 
  considered in breach (bottom of page 19). Keep a log of
  all activities to prove reasonability.
  
  
  29/3/20
  1115
  The Welsh Government have issues their own COVID-19
  lockdown advice. This can be found here (Last updated 27/10/20) https://gov.wales/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-landlords-and-managing-agents-in-the-private-rented-sector-html
  
  
  28/3/20
  1717
  Yesterday a new Practice Direction 51Z for the Civil 
  Procedure Rules (CPR) was issued. It suspends all Part
  55 possession claims and enforcement. Part 55 is the 
  part landlords use for possession under section 8 and
  section 21. This applies to enforcement (bailiffs) as 
  well as current and new court cases. There is a 90 day
  suspension from the 27 March. Strangely Practice
  Direction says it lasts till 30 October, one month after
  the change to the section 21 notices, but presumably as
  the suspension is 90 days from the 27 March the October
  date is only relevant if they decide to extend the 90 days.
  
  
  
  27/3/20
  1613
  The world moves fast, if not backward! New movement
  restriction legislation has been passed. It can be found
  here. http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2020/350/introduction/made
  
  Of note is regulation 6 (2)(L) which explains the reasons people
  are allowed out of the house including the "moving house
  where reasonably necessary". This is not defined but is the
  law (note this is law not advice).
  
  Earlier in (2)(a) leaving the house for essential maintenance
  and upkeep is allowed. and (f) allows trades people to travel
  to jobs "where it is not possible" for that person to work
  from home.
  
  Schedule 2 lists business that must, by law, close. However
  Letting agents are not listed but any responsible agent will
  minimise any such office activity, especially if it involve staff
  and public transport
  
  Interesting these regulation were made at 1300, were laid
  before Parliament at 1430 and became law at 1300 (before
  Parliament!)
  
  On a lighter note, if you have not seen this it is genius
  and worth sharing https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KPbJ0-DxTc 
  
  Enjoy and have a safe weekend
  
  
  0810
  The court service have suspended all housing possession
  cases. This will include all cases where notice has already
  been served, expired and a claim has already been lodged
  with the court. Full details are here (Last updated 19/02/21)  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-support-available-for-landlords-and-renters-reflecting-the-current-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak
  
  0740
  The government have issued clarified guidance about
  maintenance workers effecting repairs. It can be found
  here (Last updated 14/01/21) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close-guidance Essentially it says the work is allowed if it is
  a direct risk to the safety of the household. This will
  obviously include doing the gas safety checks. They
  should not do works if the household are self-isolating,
  shielding or sick unless it is of an emergency nature
  (gas leak for example). Shielding is where someone
  with a vulnerability lives and is avoid all contact, for
  example they are elderly with a chronic lung condition.
  
  The engineer should not do any work if they are showing
  any symptoms, however mild. Even if work is done, the
  social distancing should be maintained with the residents
  staying well away from the contractor and both parties
  ensuring cleanliness of the site where the work is being
  undertaken before and after the works.
  
  Guidance was also issued about moving house. Essentially
  the message is avoid  moving if possible and only move
  where it is essential. The full guidance can be found here (Last updated 07/01/21)
  https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak 
  
  If you do have to have a move then social distancing
  rules should be maintained as far as possible.
  
  In both of these cases this is very much the advice we have
  been giving all week. Avoid where possible, Be careful and
  keep your distance, Complete only if necessary, ABC!
  
  
  26/3/20
  1717
  Without going into the technicalities of why, the Coronavirus Act means that even though have to serve 3 months' notice under section 21, but the normal notice (now three months) still only remains valid for 6 months giving you one month less to take court action after expiry of the notice. A small trap for the unwary.
  
  1615
  We have just uploaded the latest version COVID-19 documents to the account of subscribers to the Tenancy Agreement, Management Forms, the Support Pack or who attended Wednesday's paid for COVID-19 webinar. The changes are in the documents now call R2-1. There is a new "Agreement to Lease" Document for England that reflects the fact we may not be able to d the move in due to COVID-19 lockdown. We are working on a version for Wales as the Welsh version includes the specified information. We will upload it as soon as possible for clients in Wales. We have also edited the information to Landlords, specifically to ask them not to agree rent deferment without talking to us as it could jeopardise things like rent guarantee insurance. We have also updated the information for agents to explain the section 21 "non changes" explained below.
  
  
  1540
  We have decided that we will use this space to tell you about updated documents too. Therefore, while we are in a state of rapid change (documents changing daily) we will not email out telling you documents have been updated but we will log them here.
  
  We are getting a lot of calls about "new section 21 notices". As below there is no new notice and secondly the courts are not going to give you possession anyway! Please read the post below to explain why it is not a new notice.
  
  0900 amended 1540
  The Coronavirus Act 2020 received Royal Assent last night. You can find the act here (Beware it is 358 pages so a long read!). Section 81 provides protection for residential tenancies though the implementation of Schedule 29.
  
  Please read carefully paragraph 6 and 7 of Schedule 29. IT DOES NOT say that the prescribed forms have been changed. It says the forms are "to be read" as if the references are to three months. We stress this as MHCLG have produce revised versions of their forms 3 and 6A (more later) on the MHCLG web site that no longer match the versions in the legislation. Our advice is stick to the forms we provide as this is what the legislation says the form should say. To show what a mess has been made, they uploaded the revised form 6A into the Form 6. This was amended about 10 o'clock this morning. The new form also makes reference to commencement 27 March 2020 (tomorrow as I write this) when it is already in force! (should that be "farce"?) (This has also now been corrected).
  
  The actual wording of the relevant paragraph for the section 21 notice (para 12(2), 11 is the section 8 notice for Wales as there is no prescribed form for section 21 in Wales) says:
  
  

  (2)The Schedule to the Assured Tenancies and Agricultural Occupancies (Forms) (England)
  Regulations 2015  is to be read, in relation to notices given under section 21(1) or (4) of the Housing Act
  1988 during the relevant period, as if in Form 6A (notice seeking possession of a property let on an
  assured shorthold tenancy)—

  (a)in the section headed “What to do if this notice is served on you”, in the second paragraph—

  (i)for “two months’” there were substituted “three months’”, and

  (ii)the words “if you pay rent quarterly, you must be given at least three months’ notice, or,” were omitted, and

  (b)in paragraph 3, for “two months’” there were substituted “three months’”.

  
  (Apologies for the formatting, copied and pasted). Note the  3 phrases in red text. 1)"is to be read" It does not say the regulations are changed, it says you read it in a certain way. 2) "As if in Form 6A" again is does not say it is change and indeed if it was changed you would not need to read it "as if" as it would be actually changed. 3) Remember we are "read this ", "as if" the 2 months were substituted for three months. Again not changing it but telling you how to read it. The reason is obvious and simple. this change is for 6 months till 30 September 2020. If they changed the prescribed form they would have to change it back again. This way they don't have to make any changes (now or later) and it is just read in a special way. It is unclear if this actually changes the notice or is just read in a different way. Users will have to make a decision as to whether to use the existing version of the MHCLG version, or even to serve both as a precaution.
  
  
  
  25/3/20
  Today the Government have made two relevant announcements.
  
  Firstly, they have confirmed that the business rate relief announced for restaurants etc will apply to estate and letting agents for 2021. This is very welcome news.
  
  The full article can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/covid-19-estate-agents-lettings-agencies-and-bingo-halls-to-pay-no-business-rates-this-coming-financial-year.
  
  Secondly, the Government have effectively confirmed the advice we have been giving on moving house. It should be  avoided if possible and if it does need to take place it should be undertaken with the "social distancing" rules. This will require a little creativity but it is not beyond the wit of man to come up with ideas.

• Nov 23

  Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm Consultation

  A consultation has been launched on amending the Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Regulations.
  
  Social landlords would be brought into the requirement to provide alarms and private landlords would be given a specific requirement to repair or replace smoke alarms (not in the original regulations). There would not be a requirement on landlords to test the alarms, the view is that the tenant should continue to do this.
  
  The proposals also suggest requiring carbon monoxide alarms in any room where there is a fuel burning appliance, other than a  gas cooker. Currently they are only required for solid fuel burning appliances so this would bring oil and gas burning appliances into the requirements. The full consultation can be found here.
  
  The consultation only applies to England and closes the 11 January 2021.

• Nov 02

  Right to Rent

  It would be easy to miss it but in the midst of the announcement of the national lockdown the Right to Rent rules have been updated. A helpful Home office factsheet outlining the changes can be found here. It is largely dealing with a new online checking service (not to be confused with the temporary remote checking during Covid-19). For a limited number of applicants (those with specific biometric documentation or part of the EU settlement Scheme) they will be able to use an online version of that information to allow a landlord or agent to check, online, and not have to see the physical document. This mirrors one introduced last year for employers, who have similar "right to work" checks to carry out. Though a really good idea the limitation will be that few people have the right documentation to qualify. they have also made it slightly easier for UK national to prove their status by allowing the sort form of birth or adoption certificate, previously it was only the long form. Further information can be found here
  
  Whilst not an actual change in the rules, the guidance has been updates to reflect the rules brought in last year for the B5JSSK countries not needing a visa on entry. the guidance also stresses the need not to be discriminatory, probably following the legal challenge they successfully defended.

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