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Redbridge Council publish COVID19 information for private tenants
In response to the COVID19 pandemic, the London Borough of Redbridge has been writing to landlords of licensed properties offering helpful advice and assistance that can be shared with their tenants.
The council has appointed a single point of contact for COVID19 queries from private landlords and are working with them to ensure private tenants are kept as safe as possible. Part of the process involves identifying vulnerable occupants in self-isolation so that appropriate support services can be offered.
Landlords have also been provided with updated information on amended rubbish and recycling collections so the information can be cascaded to their tenants.
As part of the COVID19 planning, Redbridge Council has produced a detailed advice sheet that landlords can distribute to their tenants with a particular focus on shared accommodation. Topics covered include social distancing, shielding, self-isolation and action to take if tenants develop COVID19 symptoms.
Excerpt from Redbridge Council COVID19 guidance for private tenants
Within HMOs, the guidance urges tenants to minimise the time spend in communal areas, with advice on use of bathroom and kitchen facilities, waste disposal and cleaning. For those tenants struggling in isolation, it provides signposting to Every Mind Matters website, the Samaritans, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline and a local community support network.
The council are reminding tenants that their landlord still has a duty to carry out urgent and essential health and safety repairs, whilst acknowledging other repairs can be delayed though mutual agreement.
The guidance explains what action tenants should take in the event of a gas leak, the need to maintain vigilance with fire safety measures around the home and reminding tenants to have a pre-prepared escape plan.
Any tenants experiencing problems that cannot be resolved directly with their landlord are being advised to visit the council’s website or email Housing.Standards@redbridge.gov.uk for advice.
With agreement from Redbridge Council, a full PDF copy of the advice leaflet can be viewed and downloaded by clicking on the link beneath the article. An online version can also be viewed here. The guidance can be distributed to local tenants and may also be useful for other local authorities considering a similar approach.
A free guide containing more detailed information about property licensing in the London Borough of Redbridge is available here.
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