Inquiry into coronavirus support for PRS

20 Apr 2020 05:07 PM

An inquiry into impact of the coronavirus crisis on homelessness, rough sleeping and the private rented sector has been launched by the Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee. 

It will examine how effective government support has been in supporting individuals in the private rented sector or who are homeless. 

It will also look at what strategies will need to be put in place to support both groups in the long-term, once current measures expire.

In particular, the Committee is interesting in finding out:

• How effective has the support provided by MHCLG and other Government departments been in addressing the impact of coronavirus on those in the private rented sector, rough sleepers, and the homeless?
• What problems remain a current and immediate concern for these groups?
• What might be the immediate post-lockdown impacts for these groups, and what action is needed to help with these? 

The NRLA has already lobbied the government on a range of measures that would help landlords to support tenants during the pandemic.

It has called for the extension of safety certificate deadlines, a freeze on additional council tax charged on empty properties and a loan scheme to help landlords who need it. 

The association is now preparing a written submission outlining the impact of coronavirus on PRS landlords, which will be published on the news site and social media channels.

More information

For all you need to know about managing your rental homes and supporting your tenants during coronavirus visit our dedicated coronavirus guide here.

The NRLA is also running a series of weekly webinars exploring how landlords can manage their portfolios and businesses during the Coronavirus outbreak. For more information click here.