Rental Sector Resumes Business... with Plenty of New Tenants

Our Commitment to Safe Viewings and Move-Ins

As the lettings industry officially resumed business earlier this month, we’ve adapted our procedures quickly to adopt the government’s recommendations for safer working.

Using PPE, hand sanitisation and frequent washing and through observing social distancing and conducting viewings only when a property is vacant, we’re able to continue delivering the exceptional service our landlords and tenants know us for.

Additionally, with 5 new tenancies commencing for Maplewood landlords in just the first 10 days of the ‘new normal’, we are anticipating that the next few months will be busy. We also expect to see the sales market pick up again as mortgage lenders reopen and property surveys resume.

Maplewood Property can take on the management or sale of a property at any time - even with tenants in place. Many owners have seen the benefits of using us even (or especially) during Covid-19.

To discuss how we can help you, call us on +44 (0) 203 488 1224 or get in touch via the link below.

Keeping Tradespeople Safe During Covid-19

How to Support Safe Working for Tradespeople throughout Coronavirus

As we highlighted in our recent post on frequently asked questions from landlords, wherever possible, it is still mandatory to ensure your property is safe and compliant with all current rental and safety legislation.

Our advice has been to carry out any necessary works and checks for energy performance, gas and electrical safety certificates to empty properties between tenants to ensure the safety of our valued tradespeople. Where this has not been possible because a property has a current tenant, we are facilitating the tradesperson and tenant coordinating access and discussing the best arrangements.

Typically, the tenant has chosen to take a walk or do their shopping during the visit to allow the tradesperson safe and unrestricted access to the property whilst they undertake the necessary works. Deliveries of replacement parts and materials are being similarly coordinated.

In carrying out these measures with we’ve been able to keep our landlord’s rental properties safe and compliant - and also keep our trusted tradespeople in work.

The government has produced comprehensive information on safe working practices and it is available via our link.

Private Rental Tenants Are Likely to be Most Affected by Coronavirus

Is your Tenant Struggling to Pay their Rent?

The latest news is suggesting that private renters are being hardest hit by the financial impact of the coronavirus. While landlords are likely to be able to take advantage of the mortgage holidays being offered by lenders, tenants are reliant on government furlough schemes - if they qualify.

Difficult and unexpected circumstances are when having a trusted, professional person dealing with your tenants is most valuable. As a landlord, you want to be assured that your managing agent is always in regular communication with your tenants. In the present circumstances, having an established relationship and positive rapport means that a tenant is far more likely to come forward with an issue as soon as there is one. 

Understand that every situation is different. Your tenant may be self-employed, furloughed, have less work or no work at all. Now more than ever, communication with all tenants is vital, taking everything on a case-by-case basis and agreeing a workable payment plan. Have regular check-ins and look for confirmation of new registrations for Universal Credit. Follow up to check on progress updates and any other changes. Consistency and small actionable steps can mean the difference between a tenant burying their head in the sand and working toward a solution together.     

Avoiding a problem only ever makes it worse - if you’re a tenant and if you’re a landlord. 

If you have any concerns about how your tenants may be affected during the current crisis, please reach out and we’ll be happy to help.

Temporary Changes to Government Right to Rent Checks

Advice for landlords carrying out mandatory face-to-face right to rent checks during the coronavirus pandemic

Effective from 30 March, the government has issued temporary changes to the ways in which landlord right to rent checks can be carried out. The checks were introduced in 2014 and obligate landlords or their letting agent to verify a prospective tenant’s right to live in the UK. Documents provided as proof were required previously to be checked in-person.

Due to coronavirus lockdown measures and social distancing:

• checks can now be carried out over video calls

• tenants can send scanned documents or a photo of documents for checks using email or a mobile app, rather than sending originals

• landlords should use the Landlord’s Checking Service if a prospective or existing tenant cannot provide any of the existing documents

Using the submitted copies, it is possible to arrange a video call with your prospective tenant to confirm their original document matches both the digital copy as well as their physical likeness. A note should be made on the digital copy confirming that this adjusted procedure has taken place due to Covid-19 and the date that the video call and check was undertaken.

If you are buying a property that already has tenants, you will need proof that the previous landlord carried out the check. Landlords who do not carry out checks can be fined.

For more information, please refer to the guide below.

Landlord FAQs - Covid-19 Edition

Frequently Asked Questions from Landlords During Lockdown

My new tenants have already signed a contract and are due to move-in shortly. Can this go ahead during lockdown? 

Yes. Removal companies and locksmiths have been deemed essential services and if your tenants have already signed a contract, the relevant start of tenancy arrangements can easily be carried out via remote working and social distancing. Repairs and maintenance, inventories, gas safety certification and professional cleaning can all take place on empty properties after your previous tenants have vacated and in some cases, we are even able to use key boxes or have keys kept securely with the concierge in the building to further simplify face-to-face meetings to exchange keys. We’re always embracing ways to work better - right down to online signature of tenancy agreements - and this means that much of our working is business as usual.    

Does my property still require certification during this time?

Yes. The measures being introduced by the government do not affect the general health and safety requirements for rental properties. Boilers should still be serviced as per normal and gas and electrical safety checks will need to be carried out, regardless of the virus, and following the government’s guidance on safe working practices. 

Are rents going to go down… or up? 

Depending on which day of the week - and who you ask - you’ll get a different answer every time. At Maplewood, we have seen rental prices in Central London continue to be very stable over the past weeks. However, with lower numbers of tenants choosing to move during this period, it may mean that we see a surge in tenants who have been waiting to move house once lockdown is lifted. This could result in a slight drop in rental values now and a small boom as it bounces back, but longer term, we don’t anticipate any major fluctuations in the market at this point.  

The government has published detailed guidance on moving during the coronavirus outbreak. You can read it in full via the link.