Resumption of Possession Cases – Guidance for Landlords and Tenants - 21st September 2020
The judiciary have also published guidance on prioritisation which the Master of the Rolls has asked judges to have regard to when listing possession cases in the county court.
Further details of evictions ban extension arrangements-see press release 10th September 2020
Includes confirmation that no evictions will be allowed to take place over the Christmas period or in areas where a local lockdown is in place.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-sets-out-comprehensive-support-for-renters-this-winter
Updated Guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities - 29th August 2020
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities
Evictions Ban and Notice Periods Extended - 21st August 2020
The ban on evictions has been extended for a further for 4 weeks taking the total ban to 6 months. New six month notice periods to be in place until at least 31 March 2021. Once eviction hearings restart, the judiciary will carefully prioritise the most serious cases including those involving anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse.
Updated Guidance for landlords and tenants 23rd July 2020
This reflects changes to the lockdown rules and includes advice for landlords and tenants when dealing with anti-social behaviour and property abandonment. The use of mediation as an alternative to court action is encouraged.
The shielding advice has also been updated (applicable from 1st August 2020) as well as clarifications around landlord access to their properties to carry out repairs / inspections and that lettings into shared accommodation are now permitted.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities
Guidance on Local authority powers to impose local lockdowns - 17th July 2020
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/local-authority-powers-to-impose-restrictions-under-coronavirus-regulations
Guidance on re-opening council buildings and other community facilities - 6th July 2020
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-council-buildings/covid-19-guidance-for-the-safe-use-of-council-buildings
Comprehensive new funding package for councils to help address coronavirus pressures and cover lost income during the pandemic - 2nd July 2020
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/comprehensive-new-funding-package-for-councils-to-help-address-coronavirus-pressures-and-cover-lost-income-during-the-pandemic?utm_source=619be5e4-40bb-4fd4-8a61-5afbe58745c4&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate
The announcement amounting to a further £500m for councils to help ensure financial sustainability does not include HRA deficits.
Extension of the evictions ban by a further 2 months announced – 5th June 2020
No possession claims will be heard or progressed by the courts before 24 August 2020.The legislation, which requires landlords to give at least three months’ notice to evict tenants also remains in place and will last until 30 September 2020.
Updates to the landlord and tenant guidance, guidance to local authorities on enforcement action and technical guidance on evictions. Published 1st June 2020
Housing Minister's letter to social housing residents published 18th May
The Housing Minister has written to social housing residents to update them on the steps being taken to support them during the plan to reopen society. LAs and ALMOs have been asked to circulate to their tenants and publicise widely.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-letter-to-social-housing-residents
Working Safely during coronavirus (Covid19) published 11th May 2020
New guidance on working safely including on construction sites and other outdoor work as well as working in people’s homes
Social Distancing in the workplace during coronavirus (Covid19):sector guidance updated 4th May 2020
Updated guidance on social distancing for employees in a number of sectors including tradespeople working in peoples’ homes.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/social-distancing-in-the-workplace-during-coronavirus-covid-19-sector-guidance#working-in-peoples-homes-as-a-tradesperson-cleaner-or-nanny
Guidance for Social Landlords on Essential Moves published 27th April
The guidance makes clear that essential moves should continue during the pandemic, where this can be done in line with social distancing guidance.
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-social-landlords-on-essential-moves
Safe Working Practices on Construction sites published 14th April
Latest version of advice from the Construction Leadership Council, on measures to ensure safe working practices on construction sites published 14th April
HSE guidance on lift maintenance
Late last week the Health and Safety Executive published guidance on testing equipment:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/work-equipment-coronavirus.htm and https://www.hse.gov.uk/news/assets/docs/loler-pssr-during-outbreak.pdf
Updated Guidance on Personal Protective Equipment published 12th April
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/wuhan-novel-coronavirus-infection-prevention-and-control/covid-19-personal-protective-equipment-ppe
Social distancing guidance for employers published 7th April.
Practical advice tailored to various work scenarios. Although not meant to be comprehensive, it includes specific practical guidance for tradespeople working in homes, construction, and outdoor businesses.
Updated guidance for employers and businesses on coronavirus published 7th April
Gas safety checks - recognising the concern among social landlords, residents and inspectors, HSE published further guidance on 7th April
General advice and advice for vulnerable and shielded residents is available here: https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/covid-19-advice-and-guidance/
Advice for landlords is available here:https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/help-and-advice/covid-19-advice-and-guidance/landlords/
Latest from the RSH
April 2020 survey data published 7th May 2020
Coronavirus operational response survey results – April 2020 data
Update 17 April 2020 including:
· Coronavirus Operational Response Survey
· Meeting local housing needs
· Gas safety advice for landlords
· Updated guidance on lifts and PPE
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/rsh-statement-on-coronavirus
