New guidance on collecting belongings

The Welsh Government has issued new guidance for tenants who wish to return to rented accommodation to collect possessions during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Couple packing boxes getting ready to move

The document entitled Collecting your possessions after moving out of your home: Coronavirus is aimed at tenants, including students, who have already vacated their rented accommodation because of the Coronavirus pandemic and who wish to return to that accommodation for the sole purpose of collecting their possessions.

Communication

Letting agents in Wales should be aware that the guidance is encouraging tenants to do two things. Firstly, refer to their tenancy agreement which should outline the end of tenancy protocol that applies to the accommodation. Secondly, tenants should discuss their individual circumstances with their landlord or letting agent.

Reasonable excuse to travel

The advice covers tenants being able to travel to collect belongings. It says that if a tenancy has come to an end or is about to come to an end, and tenants may be required to pick up their possessions to comply with the terms of the tenancy agreement, then travelling to pick up possessions left at the rental property would be classed as a reasonable excuse to travel.

Social distancing

On social distancing, the guidance says that if tenants need to pick up possessions, and they share the accommodation with others, they may want to agree between themselves and the landlord a different time for each of the tenants to collect possessions, to minimise contact with each other, and to ensure that they adhere to legislation and Government guidance.

Flexibility

The guidance refers to tenants to discuss the possibility of making arrangements with their landlords to store possessions if they cannot collect them. Tenants are advised to ensure they keep a record of any communication with their landlord or letting agent and ask for written confirmation of any agreements made.

Propertymark is continuing to work with the Welsh Government on policies and guidance to ensure the safe reopening of the property market in Wales.

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