Key Government Guidance for the Letting Agents & Property Professionals

 Over the last 3 months, Government has issued so much guidance to assist individuals, students, businesses and industry to correctly navigate Post-Lockdown changes. It is extremely important to understand that many aspects are mandatory, this means that they must be adhered to by law. 

For example, wearing a mask or face covering is a legal requirement; the opening of  nail bars and salons and beauty salons, tattoo parlours, indoor gyms and sports courts and facilities, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, is prohibited and therefore, currently illegal. 

Student lettings have raised a lot of concern over the last 3 months and the impact on student accommodation and students has been quite drastic. The guidance gives an indication how to manage lets where belongings have been left behind by students, general guidance on contracts and accommodation.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/higher-education-reopening-buildings-and-campuses/higher-education-reopening-buildings-and-campuses#legal-responsibilities-of-providers-in-taking-steps-to-reopen

With the restriction on housing repossessions set to be lifted on the 24th August 2020, the guidance around the service of notices and the additional month, has not yet changed. 

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/888808/Technical_guidance_on_eviction_notices.pdf

When the housing market reopened in May, there was a lot of discussion around how those moving to a new house and property professionals should deal with the process.  

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

Support and help for businesses have been discussed at great length over the last 3 months, so it is important to stay up to date and understand how this will change moving forward. 

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus/business-support 

The Government in conjunction with the Consumer Marketing Authority has also issued guidance on contracts and refunds for services provided to consumers.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-to-investigate-concerns-about-cancellation-policies-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic/the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-consumer-contracts-cancellation-and-refunds

Hygiene and safety have worked hand in hand since the pandemic began to unfold in the UK. This guidance has been issued by the Government to assist with the decontamination and cleaning in non-healthcare environments.

In the event of any conflict between any applicable legislation, health and safety legislation, for example,  and this guidance, the applicable legislation shall prevail. 

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

The non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19).

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities 

The pandemic has affected those holding visas and also the way in which Right-to-Rent checks are carried out. The guidance is for visa applicants in the UK, visa applicants outside of the UK and British nationals overseas .

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-uk-visa-applicants-and-temporary-uk-residents?utm_source=2b2d6d9a-34f5-4bda-85cb-c9945ada5a73&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate 

The following link shows the list of courts open during the pandemic.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/courts-and-tribunals-tracker-list-during-coronavirus-outbreak?utm_medium=email&utm_source=