COVID-19 brings "rent free" confusion
c.jermyn • April 15, 2020
The Government need to urgently clarify guidance on payment of rent during the COVID-19 pandemic
The Government has moved quickly to put in place new legislation (Coronavirus Act 2020) and guidance protecting renters from being evicted from their homes during the coronavirus crisis.
The problem is that the legislation and guidance has been widely misconstrued by renters in the private rental sector, with tenants considering it an automatic rent free period, which is not the case.
Landlords can apply for a mortgage holiday on their buy to let mortgage, if, they are struggling to meet their mortgage payments because their tenants are unable to pay the full amount of rent due or any rent at all. The mortgage holiday is not guaranteed and the landlord will still have to repay the sums due spread out over the term of the mortgage.
It must be remembered that many landlords do not have mortgages and rely on their rental income as their only source of income.
It must also be remembered that not all tenants are financially impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.
We have spoken to many landlords and agents with tenants financially impacted by coronavirus. The majority are communicating and working with their tenants to agree rent payment holidays, surrenders of the tenancy or rent variation agreements, for example reducing the rent by 20% for employees that have been furloughed by their employer.
What is key is that they are communicating. However, tenants must be aware that unless a landlord agrees to write off the rent due during the coronavirus period, then the rent remains payable.
The last thing we would all want to see is huge volumes of litigation against misinformed tenants.
The message needs to be clear: if you can pay your rent then you should pay your rent. You should not assume that your landlord would benefit from a mortgage repayment holiday or that they can survive financially without your rent. If you are unable to pay your rent then communication is key. Talk to your landlord or agent and discuss the options.
We have been busy working on template letters and agreements to assist landlords. If you need any help then please contact the team and we will be happy to assist you.
Communicate don't litigate and stay safe
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We are delighted to share that Woodstock Legal Services has been shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year - South of England at the Modern Law Conveyancing Awards 2026 . We are also proud to see Bethany Hudson , one of our Consultant Licensed Conveyancers, shortlisted for Rising Star of the Year. With our head office in Poole, Dorset, we are proud of our roots in the South West and the relationships we have built within the region’s property community. These shortlists recognise both the strength of our Residential Property team and the people behind the scenes who support our clients throughout their property journey. At Woodstock Legal Services, our focus has always been on building a conveyancing service that works for both our clients and our consultants. By bringing together experienced conveyancers with dedicated back-office support and the right infrastructure, we aim to make the process of buying and selling property as straightforward as possible, while giving our lawyers the flexibility and support to deliver excellent client care. Our connection to the South West remains an important part of who we are. Through relationships with local property professionals and organisations such as Poole Property Club , we continue to build connections within the property market while supporting clients across England and Wales. Over the past year, our Residential Property team has continued to grow, supported by investment in our people, processes and technology. Our dedicated back-office teams play an equally important role, helping keep transactions moving so our conveyancers can focus on their clients and the legal work that matters most. Being shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year in the South of England is a recognition of the collective effort behind our service, from the conveyancers working directly with clients to the teams supporting them behind the scenes. Car Jermyn Managing Director of Woodstock Legal Services, added: " I’m incredibly proud to see Woodstock Legal Services shortlisted for Conveyancing Firm of the Year and Bethany Hudson recognised as a Rising Star. Both awards reflect the quality of our lawyers and the commitment of the wider team supporting them. It’s great to see the work happening across our business recognised, particularly in the South of England, where our roots are firmly established. " A growing modern law firm As we continue to grow, we are always keen to speak with experienced lawyers who want to work differently, be properly supported, and be part of a collaborative community. Behind every successful consultant is the right firm. Click here to see why consultants choose Woodstock.
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