The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government has issued non-statutory coronavirus guidance for landlords and tenants. It encourages them to work together and to take a common sense approach to repairs and routine inspections whilst always following the advice concerning separation.
Tenants should notify landlords as soon as possible of any repair issues so that landlords can take the appropriate action.
If there is an urgent risk, then tenants are advised to allow their landlord access to the property.
The guidance for landlords is as follows:
- Repairing obligations have not changed and properties should be kept in good repair and free from hazards;
- Planned inspections may be more difficult at this time and enforcement for non-compliance should be reasonable;
- If an inspection has to be carried out, consider whether there is an alternative method such as the use of a smartphone or other technology to reduce the need for inspections to be carried out in person;
- Where it is reasonable and safe to do so keep a record of attempts made to inspect a property and all attempts you have made to resolve issues.
If you do access a property, then remember that social distancing rules still apply. Your employee or contractor should remain 2m from the tenant and avoid direct contact. If you are there to inspect a particular room, give the tenant the option to move to a different room. Follow the hygiene guidance, wipe down surfaces and wear PPE.
Landlords and tenants should take a common sense approach to non urgent issues.
Urgent health and safety issues are considered to be those that prevent a tenant from living safely and which affect their mental and physical health. Examples include:
- Issues with the fabric of a building, such as a leaking roof
- Boiler problems so that a tenant has no heating or hot water
- A broken window or external door which affects the security of a property
If you are the landlord of a block of flats, then your contractors can still visit the block for essential or urgent work such as inspecting and testing fire alarms and emergency lighting.
