What can and can't a landlord do in times of a pandemic?

So the question du jour is really - how to comply with our property management obligations (e.g. inspections, gas safety checks, and repairs) while respecting social-distancing and self-isolating tenants...???

Well, in all circumstances non-essential things should be avoided during a lockdown, such as routine inspections. If it's a major thing though like a leak (water or gas) it's best to get it seen to promptly but respect the social distancing guidelines as laid out on the government website. Engineers should be wearing PPE, distance themselves from occupants, and so on.

There's no get-out-of-jail card with expired gas safety certificates, unless you've made a good few attempts and you can't get an engineer in because a tenant is self-isolating and so forth. Keep written records in case of any comeback of course.

Repairs, well same thing really: "landlords remain legally obligated to ensure properties meet the required standard – urgent, essential health and safety repairs should be made" as per guidance on this page.

And what if tenants don't pay? Some have seen this rumour of payment holidays as an excuse not to pay, but thankfully government guidance states that ..."Tenants are still liable for their rent and should pay this as usual."


I think David summarised it all rather nicely with the following in this handy video from Vanessa at Property Tribes.

In summary, landlords need to keep up to speed with the guidance the government is putting out - daily reading is recommended. Act reasonably trying to follow these guidelines and be understanding with tenants who don’t want to allow access (there is a genuine fear factor to consider). If tenants really don’t wish to give access, then just let it slide as long as you have evidence to prove that you have done everything you reasonably could.


Do stay tuned for property investment tips/tricks and updates and by all means do check out the DownToSouthLondon YouTube Channel for entertaining and informative videos to help you invest with confidence! I also offer coaching on a one-to-one basis so if you are looking to get into property investing and require personal guidance then head on over to www.jeroenhoppe.com.