The eviction ban which was implemented by the UK Government for renters affected by COVID-19 has been extended for a further two months. The announcement was made on Friday 5th June after several calls from campaigners to halt evictions and rents for tenants affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
The new guidelines state that landlords will be unable to starting eviction proceedings against tenants who have fallen into arrears until 23rd August.
The Government have also created a taskforce to ensure vulnerable renters are protected once the eviction ban is lifted.
At the beginning of June, the Government also extended mortgage holidays until the end of October and banned lender repossessions during this time. More than a million payment holidays have been approved by UK banks since the policy was introduced on 20th March 2020.
Landlords should also be aware that the UK Government has also made important changes to the Electrical Safety Standards which affect private tenancies in England.
The guidance released by the Government on 1st June applies to new tenancies entered (signed and dated) on or after 1st July 2020 and for all existing tenancies from 1st April 2021. It will cover all private tenancies including licenses to occupy and non-Housing Act tenancies such as Company Lets.
Landlords must ensure that the electrical safety standards are met when the property is occupied during a tenancy and every fixed electrical installation at the property is inspected and tested at least every five years.
The guidance includes details on who is competent and qualified to do the checks as well as new build property and remedial works.
You can read full guidance here: https://www.napit.org.uk/downloads/Electrical-Safety-in-the-Private-Rented-Sector-Regulations-Guidance-for-Landlords-NAPIT.pdf?utm_campaign=11578680_Electrical%20safety%20guidance%20–%20England&utm_medium=email&utm_source=dotmailer&dm_i=Z6K,6W660,UAQZP3,ROQDB,1
The UK Government previously outlined that checks shouldn’t be carried out due to the restrictions introduced because of COVID-19, as long as the landlord can demonstrate they have taken reasonable steps to comply, they would not be in breach of the rules.
It is very important for all Landlords to schedule an inspection ASAP as the penalties are severe.
Yianni Aresti, Founder and Lettings Director at David Astburys Estate Agency said, “If you are a Landlord it is very important that you schedule your inspection and electrical safety test ASAP. If your property fails to comply with the Electrical Standards, and you do not get a satisfactory electrical installation safety report for your property within the timescales outlined within the regulations, the local authorities can impose a financial penalty of up to £30,000 if they find a landlord is in breach of their duty. Please don’t hesitate to contact our Crouch End Office today and we can arrange this for you.”
David Astburys Estate Agents
Address 15 Park Road, Crouch End, London N8 8TE
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 8.30am – 7pm Sat: 10.00 – 5pm
Tel: 020 3000 6787
Email: crouchend@davidastburys.com
Website: www.davidastburys.com