Date Published 30 March 2020
Coronavirus (Covid-19) has given a number of our tenants cause to contact us in relation to their tenancies so we have prepared the following guidance.
We appreciate that this may be a difficult time for many people financially, if you do need support, please email propertymanagers@reedresidential.co.uk
or contact us on 01702 606888.
We hope that you and your loved ones are safe and well.
I'm moving out of my accommodation early and want to end my contract
Many of our tenants are moving out before the end of their tenancies to go home because their universities have closed, or because they are being advised to return to their home countries.
This does not mean that your landlord should release you from your tenancy, or that if you have paid rent up front, refund rent to you.
If you do wish to end your tenancy early, the only way to be released from your contract is to find a replacement tenant, you can find information about by emailing our team.
Some large institutions, including universities have agreed to release tenants from their contract early if they have moved out. Unfortunately, landlords of private accommodation simply do not have the same resources to be able to make the same offer.
Many of our landlords have invested their whole lives to purchase properties and rely on the rent as their income, many do not have any other sources of income, so it is very important that you continue to pay your rent, if at all possible.
What support has the government provided for renters and landlords?
Protection from eviction
This means that a landlord cannot start any new proceedings to evict tenants during this time of national emergency. This does NOT mean that tenants don't have to pay their rent.
Three-month mortgage payment holidays
Mortgage lenders will provide ‘landlords whose tenants are experiencing financial difficulties due to coronavirus' support, in the form of a three-month payment holiday. A ‘payment holiday' doesn't mean the landlord won't have to pay the amounts due for those three months, just that they can delay paying what is due.
Landlords will have to show to their mortgage lenders that tenants are in financial difficulty due to coronavirus.
If you are in financial difficulty due to coronavirus please email propertymanagers@reedresidential.co.uk
You will be asked to submit evidence of your financial hardship caused by Covid-19.
If a payment holiday is agreed, the total rent will still need to be paid, just over an agreed time frame.
Full information about the government guidance can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/complete-ban-on-evictions-and-additional-protection-for-renters
Are student loans still paid?
The Student Loan Company have confirmed that student loan payments will be being made as normal for the current and next academic year:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/slc-coronavirus-covid-19-update
Is there any other support available?
Hospitality workers: One off grants of £250 are available from the charity ‘Hospitality Action'
Struggling with living costs: Citizens Advice provide great advice about what assistance and benefits you may be entitled to.
