Guidance for Landlords and Tenants during the Coronavirus Pandemic

With the coronavirus outbreak and the country on lockdown it is a very stressful time for everyone. We are trying to keep up to speed with all the latest Government announcements, which seem to be changing every day. We realise that people are worried about their finances so we have found all the latest information that may help you. This document is also very useful.

Employed workers

If you and your employer both agree, your employer might be able to keep you on the payroll if they’re unable to operate or have no work for you to do because of coronavirus (COVID-19). This is known as being ‘on furlough’.

You could get paid 80% of your wages, up to a monthly cap of £2,500.

If your salary is reduced as a result of these changes, you may be eligible for support through the welfare system, including Universal Credit.

Check if you could be covered by the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme.

Self employed workers

This scheme will allow you to claim a taxable grant worth 80% of your trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for the next 3 months. This may be extended if needed. For more information please click here.

Financial difficulties prior to government money coming through - Other help you can get

The government is also providing the following additional help for the self-employed:

• deferral of Self Assessment income tax payments due in July 2020 and VAT payments due from 20 March 2020 until 30 June 2020
• grants for businesses that pay little or no business rates
• increased amounts of Universal Credit
• Business Interruption Loan Scheme

If you’re a director of your own company and paid through PAYE you may be able to get support using the Job Retention Scheme.

Support for rent costs

You should check your eligibility forUniversal Credit, which is available for people in and out of work. Support for rental costs will be paid through Universal Credit.

From April, we are increasing Local Housing Allowance rates to the 30th percentile of market rents. This applies to all private renters who are new or existing Universal Credit housing element claimants and to existing Housing Benefit claimants.

If you have COVID-19 or are staying at home

You are now able to claim Universal Credit, and if required can access advance payments upfront without needing to attend a jobcentre.

Finally.... this is a really useful read. It is quite a long document but you can navigate directly to the pages that apply to you.