As you will be aware, the current COVID-19 pandemic is having a profound effect on the country, and is likely to have a great impact on those tenants that may be self-employed, have had to take time off sick, or may suffer job loss as a result of the Coronavirus measures. Emergency government legislation will be taken forward as an urgent priority so that Landlords will not be able to start proceedings to evict tenants for at least a three-month period. As a result of these measures, no renters in private or social accommodation needs to be concerned about the threat of eviction, if their income has been affected by the Coronavirus measures.
Nevertheless, we understand that this will be a very worrying time for many of our Tenants, and our advice is as follows:
- Rent remains due on the day specified within your tenancy agreement, and any rent that is not paid will still accrue in rent arrears.
- If you are still in a position to afford your rent, then we would expect you to continue to do so.
- These government measures are in place for those whose income has been affected by the Coronavirus measures, with whom we have every sympathy.
- If you are unable to afford your rent, you should contact us as soon as possible with all the relevant information. Please email accounts.swansea@belvoir.co.uk. Keep safe any relevant documents or evidence that may required in the instance the we or the Landlord request this from you.
- We will work together with our Landlords and our Tenants to find the best solution (i.e. affordable payment plans), and will manage this on a case by case basis within the government guidelines.
- For information on whether you qualify for Legal and General Income Protection, you can contact Brook Direct on 01226 720043.
- To keep up to date with information, please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-work-pensions.
In the meantime, we hope that you stay safe!
Many thanks
Belvoir Swansea & Mumbles
