Level 4 has caught many of us by surprise. Here are answers to some common day-to-day questions arising out of the latest snap lockdown. Note that these answers are current as of the 19th of August 2021. Should the lockdown be extended and emergency tenancy laws come into effect, our answers to some of these questions may change.
Q. My tenant has asked for a rent reduction for the duration of Level 4. Can I do that?
A. For sure. You are not obligated to reduce rent during COVID lockdowns but should you consider it appropriate to do so (e.g. whether your tenant is, in fact, experiencing a reduction in income, the relationship as a whole, your risk appetite, your personal financial situation etc) then you simply formalise your temporary rent reduction arrangement by executing a variation to your tenancy agreement.
You and your tenant may also want to explore other options to alleviate any cash-flow pressure connected with the lockdown. They include an alternative payment schedule (if you are in a position to absorb lengthier arrears), WINZ’s accommodation supplement and its rent arrears assistance (the last of which was paid out very quickly during last year’s lockdowns).
Anyone suffering financial hardship due to the lockdown is encouraged to visit the Unite against COVID-19 website in the first instance.
Q. My fixed-term tenant texted me to say he is moving out immediately because he can no longer pay rent and wants his bond back ASAP. What should I do?
A. Several immediate issues are apparent:
– Notices cannot be served by text given that a mobile number is incapable of being an address for service under s13AB of the RTA, as such,...
