Housing Market Remains Open!

Housing market activity returned on the 12th May in England and has continued ever since due to the Government's belief in the importance of the sector and confidence that agents are operating safely. 

Following the Prime Ministers announcement yesterday evening I am pleased to report that whilst England will move to a new national lockdown, Estate Agents can continue to work and house moves are permitted to go ahead.

The Government guidance states:

"You can still move home. People outside your household or support bubble should not help with moving house unless absolutely necessary.’’

‘’ Estate and letting agents and removals firms can continue to work.’’

‘’ If you are planning to move home, you can go to property viewings.’’

‘’ Follow the national guidance on moving home safely, which includes advice on social distancing, letting fresh air in, and wearing a face covering."

Clearly responsible behaviour by everyone involved and adherence to safety guidance and social distancing is now more important than ever. 

We take the safety of our employees and the public very seriously and will continue to follow our Health and Safety Policy vigorously and our commitment to ‘virtual’ where possible will continue. 

Should you wish to read our health and safety policy please click here: https://bit.ly/3nofmxb

You can read the government guidelines on moving here:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/949536/NationalLockdownGuidance.pdf

What legislation we can expect in 2021 within the Lettings Industry?

What a strange year 2020 has been! As we near its end we look at what 2021 may have in store in terms of legislation…

Electrical certificates

Electrical certificates have been mandatory since 1^st June 2020 for any new tenancy entered, however a ‘grace’ period was given to existing tenancies. The 1^st April 2021 see’s that grace period end. Therefore, any tenancy, be it a fixed term or periodic, that commenced before 1^st June 2020 will be required by law to have a valid electrical certificate in place.

EU Settlement Scheme

As we continue with our exit from the EU, there are implications for agents and landlords who are required to complete ‘right to rent’ checks on tenants and permitted occupiers. Whilst tenants have the responsibility for ensuring they apply for EU settlement, and many will have started this process already, some may still not be aware. The latest information sheet published by HM Government has been sent to all our managed tenancies to inform our tenants of their obligations – should you manage your own tenancy we suggest you do the same. A new ‘Digital Right to Rent Check’ will be introduced next year for some non-UK residents, the online service will either confirm someone has the continuous right to rent, therefore no further checks will be required, or a date will be provided when further checks would be necessary.

Lifetime Deposits

At the end of 2019, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said, “The costs of deposits make it harder for tenants to move’’. A solution was outlined in the Renter’s Reform Bill during the Queen’s Speech in December 2019 - lifetime deposits.

Although the government has yet to set out specific details on how the scheme will work, the Tenancy Deposit Protection Reform Working Group was created to find ways to make the “passporting system” viable in the current market.

There is no timescale set for when this concept could be enacted.

Should you have any queries with reference to the above please do not hesitate to contact me at the office. As and when the Government provides further information and detail, I will update you with further blogs in 2021.

Gemma Scott-Davies

Lettings Manager – 01474 321957

gemmascott@mandmprop.co.uk

The Government has published a NEW ‘How to Rent Guide’.

The latest version incorporates recent legislative changes in the Tenant Fees Act 2019, along with references to Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards Regulations and Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.

The How to Rent Guide is a legal document which must be sent to all tenants at the commencement of a tenancy having evidence of not just being served but also received by the occupiers.  If this is not completed it could result in a Landlord not being able to gain vacant possession of their property with eviction notices being invalid.

The latest How to Rent Guide is also required to be sent at tenancy renewal stage if the document has been updated since it was last issued to your tenants.

Click on the link below to download todays How to Rent Guide (10^th December 2020)

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/942503/6.6642_MHCLG_How_to_Rent_v5.pdf   

If you are unsure about anything you have read today then please give the office a call. As always, the team are here and ready to help – 01474 321957 or email me direct at gemmascott@mandmprop.co.uk

At the begining of May we were delighted to hear that the Government had ‘reopened’ the housing market meaning that once again buyers, sellers and tenants could resume their plans to move.

We are very excited about the prospect of helping people move and find their dream home, HOWEVER, the safety of you, our colleagues and all our clients is our utmost priority!

We have therefore set out strict guidelines as per the government guidance to ensure we remain safe and do not put anyone at risk. Our ‘COVID- 19 Health & Safety Policy’ can be viewed by clicking the link below. We hope this demonstrates just how seriously we are taking our responsibilities.

Our remote working strategies have been a great success and our ability to provide continuity of service has been excellent during the 'lockdown', so whilst we are now able to conduct our business face to face we do not have to do so to help you move. We will continue to provide virtual valuations, virtual viewings and can complete any compliance required remotely, so if you would rather not see us in person you really don’t have to.

Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to call or email the team – we are here and ready to help!

Covid 19 Health and Safety Policy ... Click Here 

Health & Safety Questionnaire ... Click Here

We are proud to be members of The Guild of Property Professionals. As Members we are selected to represent the UK’s largest network of independent estate agents in Gravesham. 

The Guild help to shape Government policy and have helped them release another guide in its 'how to' series. 

This complete guide on 'How to Sell a Home' covers everything from the paperwork required, choosing your estate agent, right through to completion. 

Click here to download the complete guide to buying.