Uncertainty of moving into a new rental property

jackdowsonuk

Hey there,

I have had a look online and on the boards here, and the majority of the information seems to be surrounding exchanging/buying/selling, so I thought I would post a thread here with my situation. I know everything is all up in the air at the moment, and I apologise if I shouldn't be asking the question here. I am just struggling with understanding what to do. I had everything planned right down to the letter, and it has all gone wrong (and for someone with autism, that is incredibly stressful for me).

I am currently living in Devon, and a while back I found a property I really liked in London (I needed to be close to one of the universities there as I will be starting my Master's degree in Sepetember). After contacting over 50 estate agents with interest in adverts (they all refused me due to Housing Benefit), one of the agents got back to me, and explained that it would be fine, as long as I had a guarantor, etc.

As time went on, this was all arranged. The Flat Fair deposit was paid, the rent in advance was paid also (by my guarantor, as it was a lot of money and they were kind enough to support me by loaning it to me), and so I thought everything would go to plan.

On the 28th of February, I gave my notice to my existing letting agent, as I was outside of the initial 6 months (so on a pereiodic tenancy). I gave notice to say that I would move out on the 1st of April. Since then, I have sold my fridge freezer and sofa (the new accommodation is furnished), I have boxed everything up and gotten everything ready. I also hired a van from one of the mainstream rental companies, paid the hire cost, and that's all ready to go also.

I contacted the city council, and told them, so my Housing Benefit claim for my current area has now been ended and will cease to pay from the 1st of April. I have then since made a new claim with Tower Hamlets Council, and I am awaiting the contract from the landlord (the new letting agent has been chasing up on this regularly - they have been pretty amazing with it all to be honest). My Internet is being disconnected on the 1st. Utility switch-over to a generic householder account takes place on the 1st. Other things have been arranged also, such as new internet account at the new accommodation from the 1st, Sky install, water account and lots of other things.

There is someone due to move into my current property on the 8th - they are a healthcare worker. There is someone in the new property at the moment and they are due to move out on the 31st - a day before I move in. I have been speaking with the person due to move into my property and they have been very understanding and such a lovely person, so I want to make sure it all goes smoothly for them as possible.

I have checked with the vehicle rental company, and they state it is business as usual (hire companies are exempt from lockdown), and I contacted the new letting agent requesting them to contact the existing tenant with this below:

As a letting agent, I request that you contact the existing tenant with importance, to confirm the following from Group A:

1) That they are not currently in a vulnerable state as per underlying conditions set out by the NHS/WHO or government guidelines;
2) That they are not self-isolating based on either a COVID-19 positive result, severely affected travel destinations, or interaction with COVID-positive persons;

If either of the above is a YES, then I will need to seek further advice before continuing.
If the above is a NO, then the following needs to be confirmed from Group B:

3) That the tenant still has the opportunity to go to their forwarding property;
4) That the tenant is confident that they have a means of getting there;
5) That the property will definitely be habitable by myself on the 01 April, 2020.

Obviously as per data protection regulations, you can’t tell me the direct answers, but you can certainly inform me if any of Group A or B apply, to allow me to plan ahead. It will also make it clearer for you as to what you are dealing with as the letting agent, and what to expect from them.

Of course, if the existing tenant is already COVID-19-negative and follows government guidelines of non-vital travel outside of the property, then there is little risk. It is simply important, as you are aware, to ensure that planning is put into place. If the existing tenant has to stay at the property due to uncertainty of their new accommodation or through medical reasons then it is only fair that they stay in the property for as long as they need – as it would be unfair to expect them to move out with nowhere else to go, or not have any confidence on the move [logistically] taking place. By finding out the information at this stage, it makes things much easier to plan on my side, preventing undue stress.

...

Should that all be fine, then I would presume the move to be able to go ahead. I am moving on my own, with no one else, and aim to practice all distancing techniques (dropping the existing keys in the mailbox in an envelope to the agent directly, and when collecting the key for the new property keeping 4 meters away at all times to ensure there is no risk). I also explained my understanding that if the existing tenant needs to stay in their property for those reasons then it's completely acceptable and understandable.

The thing that concerns me, is whether the move will be legally allowed. Sources are saying that moves can go ahead if essential, but its preferred to stay at home. Others have said that it won't be permitted, and I'm seeing stories online of people being fined out in the street just for simply walking down the road.

I want to do the right thing, but unfortunately I can't afford the rent on both properties, my current housing benefit claim is being stopped (and a new claim will take literally months to set back up again), and there is a risk of losing the accommodation I am due to move in to, if I'm unable to make it (not to mention losing Flat Fair deposits, etc).

I am incredibly concerned right now, and the stress has already sent me into meltdown many times today. I think I just need some reassurance or advice.

Thanks for listening to me!

Jack

greatcrested

To be honest the situation is unclear because it is all so new. I suspect that even the police, who have to enforce the lockdown, are unclear about the specifics of what is an 'essential' reason to be out. The government has said that we (citzens), employers etc should use common sense, and hopefully the police will be doing likewise.

Provided the current tenant(s) move out, I think you will be fine, and I wish you well with the move.

If they do not, you should get all your money back. The landlord cannot keep rent money, or the security deposit, if he does not supply accommodation! And if you've paid a 'holding deposit' to reserve the flat, that too should be returned if the LL fails to provide access to the accommodation. This applies wheher or not you've actually signed a tenancy agreement.

Of course I realise that if the current tenant(s) don't, or can't, move out, you will be in a tricky position. You should then remain in your present place (albeit without the fridge!) unles you have family/friends you can stay with. The Health worker whois due tomove in on the 8th will then have to find somewhere else. Whilst we are all sympathetic at this time towards health workers, there is littl you can do about that.

ps- not sure what a 'Flat Fair deposit' is, and sorry but I can't help with Housing Benefit.

Googled: oh! It looks like one of those one-off fees that are not deposits at all. You do realise they are voluntary - I hope you were offered a choice....?

Moxley

Please don’t feel unwanted here; some people just don’t think before they post. Lots of others will completely understand you needing to write down all the detail like you did. Writing it all down can really help to clarify your thought process, especially when you’re already feeling anxious about something.

Nothing to add to greatcrested’s advice; just wanted to have a go at making you feel more welcome on the forum!

[Deleted User]

I'm afraid there will always be one or two with a lack of empathy who post to have an effect rather than help.  It doesn't justify it but try and rise above it, not generalise this reaction to everyone.  Most people on here post to help members. 

I'm afraid there can be no guarantees in the present situation.  But you have arranged everything and have to proceed on the basis that its going ahead.  It probably will, but recognise there is a small chance it won't.  If it doesn't, at worse, this means there will be a small delay while waiting for the affected party to get better. Hopefully a couple of weeks.  But I am afraid this is out of your hands.  You will just have to see how it works out.  Worrying about it won't affect what happens. I wish you luck, and every success in your studies.  Concentrate on the end goal if you can.  This is just a hiccup.