The Government’s updated Guidance for Landlords and Tenants states:

It is in the best interests of both tenants and landlords to ensure that properties are kept in good repair and free from hazards. Tenants should let their landlords know early if there is a problem and landlords should take the appropriate action as soon as possible.

Landlords can take steps to carry out repairs and safety inspections under the national lockdown which is in force in England, provided these are undertaken in line with public health advice and the relevant coronavirus (COVID-19) legislation.

Clinically extremely vulnerable people can permit landlords and contractors to carry out routine repairs and inspections, providing that the latest guidance on the national lockdown is followed. It is important that any work is carried out in accordance with the latest guidance for clinically extremely vulnerable individuals.

In summary:

• Repairs, regulatory checks and safety inspections are to continue
• Tenant’s should give access
• The clinically vulnerable should still give access providing appropriate guidance is followed and measures are taken re social distancing and PPE etc
• No repairs are to be done if the tenant or anyone in the household is in isolation and or have COVID-19 symptoms

As always, don’t sit and ponder on a question or a thought you have. Pick up the phone or drop an email to our social housing compliance guru Andrew Fairman, and he’ll be happy to help.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities/coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-for-landlords-and-tenants