For added peace of mind, we thought we’d put together some advice & FAQs which might help to answer your queries or concerns at this difficult time.
Official government advice across England, Scotland and Wales is that the housing market should remain open subject to adherence of published safety guidelines. You can therefore still move home during the current lockdown. Estate and letting agents and removal firms can continue to work.
Where possible colleagues we will be working from home. Where this isn’t possible our branches will be staffed in order to assist with your home move.
The safety and wellbeing of colleagues and the public in reducing the spread of Covid-19 remains paramount. We will be working in accordance with government guidance in England, Scotland and Wales.
Access to our offices will be by appointment only and so please ensure that you make arrangements with us via telephone or email before you visit to ensure that a colleague will be available to assist you. Please remember that you are required to wear a face covering before entering our premises and when attending appointments.
Yes - You can access details of available properties on our website. For further information please use the “arrange a viewing” icon or contact your local branch.
Prior to the appointment, we will provide you with details of how it will be conducted and what is required to help keep everyone safe.
The safety of our clients, applicants, colleagues and the wider community remains our primary consideration. Prior to an appointment, we will provide you with details of how it will be conducted and what is required to help keep everyone safe.
Yes – Rent remains payable. There is no automatic suspension of rental payments during the crisis.
If you are having trouble paying your rent it is important that you discuss this with your landlord as soon as possible. If you make payments to us then please email creditcontrol@countrywide.co.uk.
Government has an expectation that landlords will, where reasonably possible, support tenants in difficulty. Any support they can offer may well be dictated by their own personal circumstances.
This will depend on your landlords personal circumstances but might include allowing you to make reduced/ deferred payments by way of a payment plan. If this happens it is important that you don’t breach the terms of the plan.
Where we manage the property and collect rent we can speak with your landlord on your behalf. We are unable to agree on payment terms on your landlord’s behalf and we need their consent to change any rental payments. When contacting us in relation to rental payments please do so by email to creditcontrol@countrywide.co.uk.
Yes - Your local branch is able to process a payment for you.
Yes – If you are in difficulty and need further help this is available from your local authority, Shelter, Citizens Advice and The Money Advice Service. If you are eligible for Legal Aid you can contact Civil Legal Advice for free and confidential advice.
Yes - The stay on possession proceedings in England & Wales ended on September 20th 2020. Possession hearings will be prioritised with those involving excessive rent arrears and anti-social behaviour heard first.
Bailiff Evictions - England
The ban on Bailiff evictions will end on May 31st 2021.
Bailiff Evictions - Wales
A pause has been agreed with bailiffs which started in December and ends on June 30th 2021 at the earliest.
Yes - On Monday, May 17th 2021 most of Scotland moved into Tier 2 where evictions can be enforced. With a small number of exceptions, evictions are still not permitted in Tiers 3 and 4. This is subject to regular review.
Government has confirmed that landlords are required to repair the property and undertake routine inspections as usual. Similarly, tenants are required to provide access to the property for this purpose subject to Government guidance around infection, shielding and self-isolating.
The fastest and easiest way to ensure that we are notified of a repair when we manage the property is by logging onto our website – choose “Rent” – “Report a Repair”. You will also receive helpful advice on what to do in an emergency. Like many employers, we are operating new working practices to keep our teams safe by keeping them at the required social distance. However, you can still contact us on our usual property management number.
Government has confirmed that renewal of the annual Gas Safety Record is an important part of keeping you safe in your home. This includes checks for carbon monoxide production. Carbon monoxide is a colourless odourless gas that can quickly kill, hence it often being referred to as the “Silent Killer”. Allowing access for the inspection to take place subject to Government guidance around infection, shielding and self-isolating is important.
Please remember to test any smoke and carbon monoxide alarms fitted at the property on a weekly basis.
To ensure your safety and that of the contractor, they will call you directly to arrange access. Please advise them of any self-isolation or illness within the household. When providing access ensure that social distancing protocols are observed. If keys are transferred do so in a secure envelope ensuring they are sanitised before and after use.
Fire
Gas
No Electricity/Supply Tripping
Burst Pipes
Loss of Water Supply
Lack of heating/ hot water
