Today we look at the
latest news on the evictions front and the moves needed to avoid legal action.
It takes flexibility, compassion, and stamina to
navigate the eviction process at the best of times. But, due to Covid-19, it
takes more careful and considered steps than ever to repossess a property.
Last week, Housing Minister Christopher Pincher gave
more detail about how the process will work once the current ban on evictions,
introduced back in March, is lifted on August 23.
Pre-action rules
explained
These new guidelines are called ‘pre-action rules’
and will remain in place until the end of March 2021.
If a landlord wishes to evict a tenant, they will
have to:
- Inform the court and tenant in writing that they
wish the case to proceed. Without this ‘reactivation notice’, the courts will
consider the case dormant.
- Provide the courts with any information they have
on how Covid-19 has impacted their tenant.
- Provide a full arrears history.
Fail to follow these rules, and judges can adjourn
proceedings, something that will only drag the process out even further.
What Action
Landlords Can Take (FOR ENGLAND AND WALES)
These changes will only exacerbate the existing
backlog of cases. The housing charity Shelter estimates there could be as many
as 200,000 in the pipeline.
Landlords in TUNBRIDGE WELLS can
avoid getting caught up in this legal nightmare, by treating eviction as the
absolute last resort. Here are some tips to navigate your way through tricky
situations and to hopefully avoid court action.
-
As they say, it takes two to tango. Don’t sit back
and wait to hear from your tenant. You, or your letting agent, need to stay in
regular contact with your tenant. That way, if they hit hard times, you can
respond quickly.
-
If a tenant is struggling to pay their rent, don’t press
the panic button. There are several strategies you can pursue, from rent
reductions to flexible payment plans. Before you negotiate one of these
options, please seek advice from us.
-
It’s easy to feel emotional or stressed when
difficulties arise, but you need to remain cool-headed and pragmatic. What
you do at the early stages of a dispute can be critical to recouping rental
funds and determine the nature of the relationship in the future.
-
And of course, keep a record of all conversations
and text and email exchanges.
These steps are the basics of managing tenancies during the Covid-19 crisis.
If you don’t feel qualified or comfortable doing all
this yourself, we’re lettings experts and we can do it for you. We can take the
lead, lighten the load, and make your life a lot easier.
For more advice about managing your property during Covid-19,
contact us here at Martin & Co Tunbridge Wells 01892 543856.
We’re here to help guide you through these difficult
times.
Dave R
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