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Latest news and updates from Safer Housing at Nottingham City Council
The Government has restarted England's housing market over the last few weeks, meaning people are now allowed to move home, estate agents can open, viewings can be carried out and removal firms can restart operations.
The Government said these must be carried out under social distancing and safety rules.
The advice is changing regularly and we ask that you keep an eye on the Gov.uk website for the latest advice and information.
You can see the latest guidance on moving home here
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There are currently no changes to the way we are working during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Safer Housing and Licensing Teams are still working from home and we are looking at allowing some staff back into the office in a phased return allowing for social distancing.
We still have a legal obligation to licence properties, stop illegal evictions and work to make sure that standards are maintained in properties – the way we do some of these has just changed. The way you contact us has also changed, find out the best way to get in touch here.
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Tenants are still liable for their rent and should pay this as usual. If they face financial hardship and struggle to pay this, support is available for them.
We understand the financial impact the COVID-19 pandemic may be having on landlords during these uncertain times. To support you, Nottingham City Council has issued the following guidance Coronavirus – Support for businesses, which provides details of financial support available and how to apply.
Landlords are being asked to be sympathetic especially if tenants have lost their job or seen their income reduce suddenly. The Government are encouraging tenants and landlords to work together to put in place a rent payment scheme.
You can read about the specific measure the Government have in place to help here.
In May we issued 1512 draft licences and 1340 final licences.
It’s been a busy month issuing licences, however it continues to be a challenge to issue all licences via email as we don’t have everyone’s email address. If you would like us to issue you licence by email, please get in contact with us. Remember we also need email addresses to be able to serve a copy of the licence documents to all interested parties, including mortgage providers, landlords, property owners, managers etc.
Read more about our licencing schemes, check to see if you property needs a licence and make an application.
Despite the lockdown, our Joint Authority Inspection Team (JAIT) - which is made up of officers from the Council and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, have been out checking the safety of Multiple Occupied Residential Buildings (MORB’s) in the city.
This is essential work to ensure the health safety and welfare of our citizens and our student population in our larger buildings. Although the majority of buildings are found to be satisfactory, a number of MORB’s have been identified as sub-standard and the team are working hard with owners and management to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and guidance.
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New Electrical Safety Standards for the Private Rented Sector have come into force from 1 June 2020.
In brief, landlords must ensure every fixed electrical installation is inspected and tested at least every five years by a qualified person. The regulations also states that a landlord is required to obtain a report of the results of the inspection and test, supply it to each tenant within 28 days and retain a copy until the next inspection is due.
See the new rules here.
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As the housing market resumes, the Nottingham Private Rented Assistance Scheme (NPRAS) can help to match some great tenants to great landlords. They exclusively work with people who have found themselves temporary homeless and their unique letting process ensures that landlords can get a great long term tenant and support.
Find out more information here
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Thank you to everyone who applied to be a part of the Landlord and Managing Agents Liaison Group. We have chosen the successful candidates and will be contacting them shortly to let them know. We will also be in touch with everyone who applied over the coming weeks to let them know the outcome.
More details on the first meeting and how other landlords and agents can contact their representatives will be sent out in the near future.
Again, thank you to all those who applied. We look forward to working with all of you to build strong relationships to help shape our services.
To get all the latest information, tips, advice and updates from the Safer Housing team, follow us on social media.
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