Current information for renters on moving and maintenance

25th March 2020

In the latest guidance from the Government, renters should, as far as possible, delay moving to a new property whilst emergency measures are in place to fight Coronavirus.
However, if moving is unavoidable for contractual reasons and the parties are unable to reach an agreement to delay, then people must follow the advice on social distancing to minimise the spread of the virus. Anyone with symptoms, self-isolating or shielding from the virus, should follow medical advice and not move for the time being.

Maintenance
The latest guidance also states that any work carried out in people’s homes, for example by tradespeople carrying out repairs and maintenance, can continue, provided that the tradesperson is well and has no symptoms. Public Health England guidelines, including maintaining a two-metre distance from any household occupants, must be followed to ensure everyone’s safety.

No work should be carried out in any household which is isolating or where an individual is being shielded, unless it is to remedy a direct risk to the safety of the household, such as emergency plumbing or repairs, and where the tradesperson is willing to do so. And no work should be carried out by a tradesperson who has Coronavirus symptoms, however mild. In such cases, Public Health England can provide advice to tradespeople and households.

The Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) will publish further guidance as soon as possible. Current guidance on work activities must be carried out from home wherever possible and workers must take care to follow Government guidance on social distancing and hygiene. Public Health England has guidance on its website.

WHAT PROPERTYMARK IS DOING
Propertymark remains in daily dialogue with relevant Government departments to get clarification on the issues facing agents while adhering to overarching Government guidance. Propertymark is seeking answers to all the questions raised by its members and will continue to keep them updated as soon as further information becomes available.