After Propertymark’s campaign to #KeepTheRentFlowing, which included lobbying Government to suspend or amend Right to Rent checks during the COVID-19 breakout, last night, changes were made to ensure checks can continue.
Businesses who cannot file accounts on time due to COVID-19, and whose filing deadline has not yet passed, can apply for an automatic and immediate three-month extension.
The remaining provisions of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) come into force on 1 April 2020.
As the COVID-19 situation develops, many landlords, letting agents and tenants are left feeling confused about how to proceed with tenancy processes that normally involve face-to-face interactions. Lock-down, self-isolation and social distancing measures are now making it difficult to conduct check-ins and end of tenancy inspections in the regular way.
Over the weekend of 28 and 29 March 2020, the UK Government released non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private rented sector following the outbreak of Coronavirus.
The Energy Efficiency (Domestic Private Rented Property) (Scotland) Regulations 2020 that were due to come into force on 1 April 2020, which required all properties in Scotland’s private rented sector to have a minimum EPC rating of E at a start of tenancy from 1 October 2020 have now been postponed indefinitely due to the COVID-19 crisis.
Letting and estate agents, along with a host of other businesses, will be exempt from rates relief from 2020-21 as part of the Scottish Government’s £2.2 billion plan to support businesses through the Coronavirus outbreak.
The Scottish Government urges letting agents to familiarise themselves with the latest, extensive advice issued during the continuing COVID-19 crisis.
Due to the deadly spread of COVID-19 and the social distancing measures that have been put in place, the UK Government passed into law the Coronavirus Act on 25 March 2020 which provides additional powers to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak this evening announced a new self-employed income support scheme, comprising a taxable grant worth 80% of their average profit over the last three years. The scheme will be open for three months and will be extended if needed.
The UK Government passed into law the Coronavirus Act on Wednesday 25 March 2020 providing additional powers to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak including measures to suspend new evictions from private rented accommodation while the national crisis is taking place.
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has issued guidance stating that any agents, among other responsible persons with any doubt about waking watchers in buildings with flammable cladding materials present should get in touch.
New ways of working and potential home distractions mean conditions are perfect for bad actors looking to harvest data.
In the latest guidance from the Government, renters should, as far as possible, delay moving to a new property whilst emergency measures are in place to fight Coronavirus.
The Government has confirmed further support for renters with a £500 million hardship fund which will provide council tax relief for vulnerable people and households to help those affected most by Coronavirus.
After a campaign led by Propertymark, the Government have confirmed that business rates relief has been extended to estate and letting agents. This means those agency offices that have closed as a result of Covid-19 measures to restrict the spread of the virus will be now be exempted from business rates in 2020–2021.
Propertymark worked with the Scottish Government to compile FAQs for landlords and letting agents in these exceptional circumstances.
The landlord and tenant team from Dutton Gregory solicitors manage the ARLA Propertymark legal helpline for England and Wales and they've provided guidance based on the frequent queries they've been receiving as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
A senior civil servant at Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) this morning, provided guidance for the sector to Propertymark.
With a vast majority of people in the property industry working remotely and whilst individual safety is at the top of their priorities, agents and business owners must also be aware of the safety of their data during the crisis.
This evening, in a bid to protect jobs and small to medium businesses, the Chancellor announced a dramatic escalation of Government support in a bid to save jobs and dissuade employers from laying off staff.
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has published new guidance for mortgage lenders and administrators, and small business lenders which supports announcements made by the Chancellor on support for businesses and homeowners impacted by COVID-19.
Property agents are missing out on a proposed twelve-month business rates ‘holiday’, as they are classified as offices, not retail branches on the high street.
Property agents are missing out on business rates relief measures announced by the Government in response to the outbreak of Coronavirus.
Northern Ireland’s First Minister Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill announced a wide-ranging package of support aimed at supporting all sections of the economy and society. Acknowledging the impact already being felt by the economy, businesses, public services, jobs, and people’s livelihood.
Due to the challenges facing the industry in relation to Coronavirus, ARLA Propertymark has addressed the issues with Government in order to gain answers – including clarification and guidance for those working in the sector.
The Scottish Government has announced they intend to make a temporary legislative change to amend the mandatory grounds for eviction under the Private Residential Tenancy from three months to six months.
The Government last night announced a radical package of measures to protect renters and landlords affected by Coronavirus.
Amid mounting public pressure on sick pay and rent, Prime Minister, Boris Johnson today announced his intention to legislate to support tenants who are struggling to pay rent as a result of Coronavirus.
Tulip Siddiq, Labour MP for Hampstead and Kilburn brought a motion to Luke Hall MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Minister for Local Government and Homelessness) today, 17 March, regarding the private rented sector and what happens if you get the Coronavirus, can’t work and don’t get paid.