Eviction/Moving during Coronavirus Restrictions (Private Rented)

hardygirls

Hi, A complicated one here!  I received a S21 on my current (Assured Shorthold Tenancy) rented property on 14/2/20, with a move out by date of 1/5/20.  The reason for the eviction was that there are dangerously cracked (and at risk of collapse) ceilings in one bedroom and the bathroom of the property, and water leaks in sometimes when it rains.  The ceilings have been like this for years, and the landlord was aware.  The landlord said they can't repair the property while we live in it, so we need to move out.  I found a new property to rent, and paid the deposits and 6 months rent in advance on 20/3/20.  I was expecting to pay the rent on both properties for one month (so we could move stuff gradually), and to actually move in to the new property by 1st May 2020 (I do have the keys).  Due to Coronavirus restrictions, we have not been able to move.  I am self employed, and have not worked since lockdown on 24 March.   I now seem to be in a situation where I have to pay rent on both properties, and also Council Tax.  Can anything be done, or can I get any help with this, as it seems so unfair?  I hope somebody out there can advise please!

unforeseen

There is nothing stopping you moving. It is allowed

MovingForwards

Nothing stopping you moving to the new place. Especially as your rent is sorted for 6 months.

Move out the old one, hand the keys back and say you can't pay the last month rent or you pay by instalments when you have an income again, making a token payment in the interim.

Phone the council, say the tenancy has ended, give your new address and wait for the old / outstanding bill to arrive, call them and say you have no income or make token payment until you have an income.

Register for council tax with your new place.

Council tax deductions are claimable via each council website, have a look, fill in the form and wait. It also covers those with low income and not just people on benefits. Do it for the current property now, move then do it for the new one.

Are you able to claim any benefits in the interim?

blue_max_3

Do you have furniture and no transport? Is that the issue?

Slithery

hardygirls said:

Due to Coronavirus restrictions, we have not been able to move.

Why not? You're still allowed to move house.

greatcrested

Given the problems with your current property I'd have thought you'd move heaven and earth to move out.So I'm sure you can find someone or some company to help you move.

Just be sure to serve proper notice- the S21 you received does not end your tenancy!

However you can always offer to 'surrender' it, and given that the landlord wants you to leave I'm sure he'll accept your offer of surrender. Get the surrender date confirmed in writing with agreement that rent will be due pro rata up to that date.

hardygirls

blue_max_3 said:

Slithery said:

hardygirls said:

Due to Coronavirus restrictions, we have not been able to move.

Why not? You're still allowed to move house.

Do you have furniture and no transport? Is that the issue?

Thank you for your replies.  I was under the impression that removal companies weren't supposed to be moving people due to social distancing?  After all, it would (most likely) be employees from different families shifting large items of furniture, etc.  Also, when my daughter and I were taking a load of stuff to the new home by car last week, we were stopped by the police.  When we explained ourselves, they said our journey was not essential! 

hardygirls

MovingForwards said:

Are you able to claim any benefits in the interim?

Thank you for your reply.  I will be able to get the Self Employment grant in June, but cannot claim Universal Credit due to having savings.

I also thought  all evictions had been put on hold for 3 months.  Do you know if this is right, and would apply to me?

hardygirls

greatcrested said:

However you can always offer to 'surrender' it, and given that the landlord wants you to leave I'm sure he'll accept your offer of surrender. Get the surrender date confirmed in writing with agreement that rent will be due pro rata up to that date.

Thank you for replying.  I'm sorry, but I don't quite understand what you mean by surrending the tenancy?

shinytop

hardygirls said:

blue_max_3 said:

Slithery said:

hardygirls said:

Due to Coronavirus restrictions, we have not been able to move.

Why not? You're still allowed to move house.

Do you have furniture and no transport? Is that the issue?

Thank you for your replies.  I was under the impression that removal companies weren't supposed to be moving people due to social distancing?  After all, it would (most likely) be employees from different families shifting large items of furniture, etc.  Also, when my daughter and I were taking a load of stuff to the new home by car last week, we were stopped by the police.  When we explained ourselves, they said our journey was not essential! 

If agreements were made and contracts were already in place before the lockdown, it's within the government advice to move.  I think the police were wrong.  As for removals companies, the advice is that, going to work is OK if you can't work from home, which they obviously can't.  There are companies who are still working (e,g, via Anyvan).  Having said that, the British Association of Removers seems to be telling its members to hold off with most moves. 

Comms69

The law also allows group of people to help move eg friends and family. so that is another option