Coronavirus guidance for Lettings industry
What exactly is the virus causing the illness that started in China? Well, it’s a member of the coronavirus family that has never been encountered before. Like other coronaviruses, we understand it’s come from cross contamination of animals in the centre of the Chinese city Huanan. The Coronavirus continues to spread throughout China and around the world. It’s leaving many questions as to who is responsible and if what obligations need addressing. Due to the severity of the outbreak, the world health organisation has issued warnings across the world.
Advice for landlords in England and Wales
Most of the advice given depends on how much control a landlord has over their property. If it’s a single let property with no services provided by the landlord, it’s unlikely that the landlord has any obligations to the tenant. However, if there is more than one tenant and/ the landlord is providing cleaning or maintenance services, the situation should be analysed individually. Where a landlord is acting as a property manager or as an employer, they are likely to have more obligations. More so than if they were acting solely in the capacity of a landlord.
The National Landlords Association statement
The NLA has issued advice for the lettings sector on the coronavirus infection. Much of the advice is a repeat of existing government guidelines on the issue. However, the NLA’s move is the first by one of the major lettings trade bodies to address the issue. It says there is concern about tenants exposure to the virus, but the government confirms the risk to individuals in the UK remains low. As such, there are no ‘specific’ requirements that landlords need to adhere to, more general advice.
Where do I go for help dealing with Coronavirus prevention or concerns?
Members of the NLA are encouraged to refer to official government and NHS guidance. The association says the current medical advice is for anyone who has travelled into the UK from the countries below. The advice is for anyone who has been to the below countries in the last 14 days and is experiencing respiratory problems or a cough/fever. You should remain indoors and call NHS 111 even if symptoms are mild.
The countries are mainland China, Thailand, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia and Macau.
People who have travelled from the city of Wuhan or Hubei Province in China are advised to remain at home for 14 days after arrival and avoid contact with other people, even if they have no symptoms.
Key websites for agents and landlords to consult include the Department of Health and Social Care, and this one from the NHS.