Tenant COVID-19 FAQs

You can only end a fixed term tenancy early if either:

• your contract has a break clause
• you negotiate an early end to the agreement with your landlord

If you want to leave as soon as possible you’ll probably have to negotiate.

Your landlord may be sympathetic to your request to leave if they understand your reasons. For example, if you need to move urgently because you or a family member are sick or need support.

Landlords have the same responsibilities for repairs during the coronavirus outbreak. You should report repairs by phone, email or online. You must tell your us if you’re self isolating. We might not be able to get the problem fixed during the usual timescales. Annual gas safety checks remain an important legal requirement. We will rearrange a gas safety check if you’re self isolating.

Please advise us if you don’t want any visits to your home at this time. We will agree to postpone non essential visits such as:

• routine tenancy inspections
• viewings towards the end of your tenancy

You should report the change to the housing benefit department at the council, you might need to move on to universal credit instead.

You can apply for universal credit on GOV.UK. You can also contact Citizens Advice if you need help with the online process. Call the universal credit helpline on 0800 328 5644 if you:

You can usually get a universal credit advance within a few days if you can’t wait 5 weeks for your first payment. An advance must usually be repaid over the next year.

• can’t apply online
• need a universal credit advance
• can’t access your universal credit account once you’ve set it up

You won’t have to attend Jobcentre Plus or medical assessments for at least the next 3 months due to the outbreak.

You could qualify for benefits or statutory sick pay if you lose your job or can’t work because you’re sick or self isolating. You could also get benefits if your pay goes down because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Speak to a member of staff in branch if you’re struggling to pay rent. We will speak to your landlord and do our utmost to come up with a solution.

It isn’t clear whether evictions will still go ahead if your landlord has already applied to court. Courts are staying open for the moment in line with government guidance. If you have a hearing you can expect it to go ahead unless your county court tells you of a change. The court may arrange a phone or video hearing. If you are self isolating, then you should not attend. Contact your court to let them know of your situation.

The government announced on 18 March that landlords will not be able to apply to court to evict tenants for at least 3 months. The announcement suggests that even if your landlord has already given you notice, they won’t be able to apply to court to evict you during the next 3 months.

It’s illegal for your landlord to evict you without following the proper steps. Illegal eviction is a criminal offence - coronavirus doesn’t change this.

It’s likely to be an illegal eviction if your landlord:

• makes you leave without notice or a court order
• locks you out of your home, even temporarily