As we move into the recovery stages of COVID-19, the Government guidance has been updated and we want landlords and tenants to have the latest updates and answer a few questions that they may have.

Guidance for Landlords

Non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of coronavirus (COVID-19) has been updated and is available here COVID-19 and renting: guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities (Updated 23 July 2020)

Working Safely During COVID 19 in your House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

It’s important that properties are kept in good repair and free from hazards and landlords should take appropriate action during COVID 19. Government guidance on working safely in people’s homes has been published and updated on 23 July 2020, which sets out in what circumstances it’s advised landlords or contractors can safely visit properties to carry out inspections and repairs. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/working-safely-during-coronavirus-covid-19/homes

What to do if in your House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) one of your tenants thinks they may have the virus.

If one of your tenants contacts you to advise you they may have the virus you should advise them to get tested and you could send them the below link or copy of the COVID-19: guidance for households with possible coronavirus infectionhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance.

(This guidance is available in a range of languages)

Testing Advice

Guidance on coronavirus testing, including who is eligible for a test and how to get tested is available at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-getting-tested

Anyone who displays symptoms of COVID-19 (or lives with someone with symptoms) can and should get a test. Essential workers have priority access to testing.

There are different approaches to testing:

Testing slots should be booked through the NHS Website at https://www.nhs.uk/ask-for-a-coronavirus-test

What to do if your House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) has one or more tenants who have the virus –

What to do if your House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is vacant or has a vacant room to let.

The guidance on moving home during the coronavirus (COVID-19)

period in England can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

What to do if your House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) needs to be cleaned and decontaminated.

You can also find Government guidance on cleaning your home to minimise the risk of infection here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-decontamination-in-non-healthcare-settings

General COVID 19 Information

Everyone’s actions help to reduce the transmission of coronavirus in our communities and you may want to share more information with your tenants or just have a read for your own information and safety.

  • Coronavirus outbreak FAQs: what you can and can’t do

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-outbreak-faqs-what-you-can-and-cant-do

  • Staying Safe Outside Your Home

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/staying-safe-outside-your-home/staying-safe-outside-your-home

  • Staying Alert and Safe (Social Distancing) guidance for young people

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/stay-alert-and-safe-social-distancing-guidance-for-young-people

You can see the full series of Government guidance on coronavirus here: https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus