The guidance, issued today, 27 March, contains answers to questions to help agents and landlords through the COVID-19 crisis. Other helpful information is outlined below.
Evictions
The Government is asking that no landlord evicts a tenant who has suffered financial hardship during this period. However, they are aiming to share messages to make sure those who can pay the rent do, and that there is nobody playing the system.
The Coronavirus (Scotland) Scotland Bill will introduce temporary changes to eviction procedures for properties in the Private Rented Sector and Social Housing sector. As soon as we have further information on the Bill, we will share it with members.
Agents and landlords should direct any tenants concerned about paying their rent to the Department for Works and Pensions (DWP) and claim Universal Credit (UC). If they are already claiming UC and are still struggling to pay, they may be eligible for a Discretionary Housing Payment.
Move-ins and property inspections
Current advice clearly advises against all non-essential travel and direct contact with everyone. The Scottish Government recognise it is important to avoid anyone being homeless at this time and tenants should be moved in where a tenancy has already been agreed or where it is considered absolutely necessary, housing key workers would be a prime example.
Face-to-face contact should be limited where possible. In cases where it is essential then the relevant distancing and hygiene measures must be followed.
Safety certificates and property repairs
The legal obligation to provide all relevant safety certificates and for properties to meet the repairing standard remain in place. Agents and landlords must make all reasonable efforts to abide by these regulations.
In the event agents or landlords cannot get access to the property detailed records of dates and all communication to tenants and contractors must be kept and noted if COVID-19 is the reason.
Tenants are encouraged to keep agents and landlords informed of any required repairs or problems, always keeping in mind social distancing and safety obligations and are asked to use technology to disclose issues to the agent or landlord, such as smartphones.
View the latest guidance from the Health and Safety Executive aimed at landlords and Gas Safe engineers.
Mortgage payments
Most mortgage borrowers will have a three-month payment holiday facility; however, the Scottish Government is working with UK Finance to try and have this extended to six months.
Government funding and grants
The UK Government announced several schemes to support businesses with paying wages and accessing grants and cost-effective loans to ensure that businesses that were viable prior to the Coronavirus crisis, will continue to be viable afterward.
Scottish businesses can now apply for grants and assistance with rates relief to help them deal with the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. The one-off grants are designed to help protect jobs, prevent business closures and promote economic recovery, and more than 90,000 ratepayers across Scotland will be able to benefit.
First-tier tribunal
The Housing and Property Chamber First-Tier Tribunal for Scotland will not be sitting now until 28 May 2020.
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA)
The SFHA has produced briefings to help housing associations and co-operatives, the information is useful for the sector as a whole and covers: Health Protection Scotland advice; personal protective equipment (PPE); safe access to the property; safety checks and repairs; when to deep clean a property; housing support services.
