Mar 26 2020 01:47:00
COVID-19
A message from Kernan Property Services
26th of March 2020
As the COVID-19 pandemic develops, we would like to reassure you that we are well prepared and have plans in place to support you and your tenancy and to keep our letting services running. We are focusing our efforts to help minimise disruption to all our customers by keeping our teams operational and available.
Communication
For non-urgent queries, we would kindly ask you to contact your branch manager Micheal by email rather than telephone whenever possible. An agent or member of our property management team will be in touch with you as soon as practically possible.
Property Viewings and Move Ins
The demand from tenants looking to rent and move is still
considerable and Kernan Property Services will continue to market available properties as usual and carry out property viewings where possible and safe in accordance with Government safety guidelines.
Kernan Property Services are working hard to ensure that all new tenancies can move in and the timely supply and return of any documentation which we request from you is vital for the smooth running of this operation. We strongly advise landlords to retain a spare set of keys for themselves in the event of any unforeseen disruption.
Renewals and End of Tenancy
Please note that we are currently experiencing an increase in
tenancy renewal requests from tenants who are keen to ensure that they can remain in their homes.
Landlords should be prepared for eventualities resulting from tenants being unable to end their tenancies due to self-isolation measures and seeking an extension to remain in their properties.
Rent Collection
Kernan Property Services’ client accounts department will continue to operate our rent collection service as normal and will notify you immediately of any query or request from your tenant. All correspondence and statements will be sent to you by email only for the time being.
Property Visits
In accordance with the current recommendations on social
distancing and for the time being, Kernan Property Services are postponing all property inspections however, we will reinstate this service as soon as circumstances allow.
Maintenance and safety works
Our property management teams and appointed contractors are prioritising the most urgent and essential maintenance works and will continue to ensure that you are notified of progress.
Emergency Legislation and Support for Landlords
The Government is now implementing emergency legislation, as
follows:
• Landlords will be unable to serve notice to terminate a tenancy on their tenants or commence possession proceedings during the next three months.
• Where tenants cannot pay their rent, UK lenders will be
required to grant buy-to-let landlords a mortgage payment holiday of up to three months. Please note this is only to defer payment, not waive it altogether and you should check directly with your lender to establish their policy and procedures in this regard.
• Following any period where a tenant has been unable to pay their rent, landlords and tenants will be required to reach a mutual agreement on how any shortfall of rent should be repaid.
We appreciate that this is a difficult time for everyone but would like to assure you that Kernan Property Services’ staff are here to assist you so, if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us.
** Stay Safe ** Keep your distance ** Stop the Spread **