DRAFT PRS RESILIENCE GROUP VIRTUAL MEETING: 2 APRIL 2020 In attendance:         {Redacted}, CAS {Redacted}, CAS {Redacted}, Shelter Scotland {Redacted}, Shelter Scotland {Redacted}, Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) {Redacted}, Glasgow City Council {Redacted} Dundee City Council {Redacted}, SG Apologies:     {Redacted}, ALACHO {Redacted}, Propertymark {Redacted}, City of Edinburgh Council {Redacted}, Cosla Feedback on areas discussed: 1. Legislative update:   Both Shelter and CAS asked about how existing eviction orders already granted by the Tribunal will be dealt with. Shelter asked if guidance would be issued for the Tribunal setting out that they must take account of the impact Covid-19 has had on a tenant. 2. Landlord and letting agent guidance:   SAL highlighted that the UK Government are issuing advice to all landlords which often contradicts advice set out by the Scottish Government. This is confusing for landlords, as it does not highlight that the advice is English/Welsh specific only. SAL asked for the need to coordinate advice better to prevent mixed messaging. SAL also highlighted concerns regarding the potential for unregistered letting agents and landlords increasing. 3. Safety certificates:    SAL highlighted concerns from many of their members regarding compliance with safety legislation (electrical, gas etc). Many landlords and letting agents have preferred contractors who are pressuring them to undertake the work and advising that they are in breach of their duties by not doing so. SAL indicated that the difference in advice from the SG and HSE is causing confusion. SAL highlighted that some HMO landlords had contacted them worried about upcoming license renewals: DRAFT   Glasgow City Council advised they have written to all license holders to extend their licenses by at least a 3 month period. Dundee operate a common renewal date for HMO licences. All 2019 renewals have been initially inspected. Licences are to be granted with any outstanding work attached as a condition of the licence. Licences will be issued for an initial period of 1 year and extended for the balance of the normal 3 year licence period ending 30 September 2022 once all outstanding work is carried out. 4. Landlord support fund     SAL asked for careful consideration to be given to the criteria that is applied to the fund, highlighting that many landlords are not being able to access mortgage breaks due to stringent criteria being applied by lenders (i.e. tenant must be in rent arrears). SAL are advising their members to use mortgage breaks as a last resort due to the impact it can have on their credit rating. CAS advised that the SG should consider writing to the all lender Chief Execs to highlight the issue SAL raised. CAS highlighted the need to monitor financial assistance a landlord is receiving to ensure that this is passed on to the tenant. Stakeholder top issues 1. CAS:      Monitoring to see if tenants are fully aware of the new eviction notice periods; Monitoring to track what happens to tenants in the longer term i.e. those who are in rent arrears – are they evicted, do they fall into homelessness etc; Require clarification on what happens with existing eviction orders not yet executed; Understanding the issues and impacts for small scale landlords; and Where should tenants go to seek redress on repairs issues now that the FTT are not in operation? 2. Dundee City Council:   Ensuring consistent and accurate messaging to landlords and tenants; and Clarification on what will happen in relation to empty properties – will landlords still be required to pay HMO license renewals, landlord reg etc? Can Council tax relief be provided? 3. SAL:   Concerned about those landlords who ‘fall between the cracks’ in relation to qualifying for financial support – how can we help them? Council tax relief for landlords with empty properties; DRAFT   Tenancy deposits – some landlords and tenants have agreed that using a deposit to help cover rent when a tenant is struggling to pay but schemes are reluctant to release on this basis; and Increased potential for illegal evictions. 4. Glasgow City Council:    Clear, concise and regular communication with landlords is essential; Clarification on safety standards required quickly – local authorities need to know they are giving out the right information; and Need to ensure tenants are aware of their rights to get repairs carried out whilst FTT not operating. 5. Shelter Scotland:     There is a need to make financial support for tenants reach them quicker. How can we address the wait for UC to be paid and also the shortfall in rent that may occur? How do we protect tenants when we revert back to the original legislation, especially where large rent arrears have been built up due to the pandemic; Illegal evictions – Police Scotland and local authorities have a role in monitoring; and High level awareness raising for tenants should be taking place. Action for Scottish Government          Clarification on the approach being taken by Sheriff Officer for current cases where an eviction order has been granted. Highlight to UK Government the need to make clear who their landlord guidance comms relate to i.e. only landlords in England and Wales etc; Further clarity on inspections required for landlords and local authorities; Consideration of further letter on lenders being inflexible regarding mortgage breaks for landlords; Contact all local authorities (via SHMONG) to request they advise on approach to HMO licensing and to highlight approach in Glasgow; Further consideration of council tax relief for empty properties; Further consideration of financial support for tenants before UC kicks in; Investigate TDS approach to releasing deposits to cover rent payment issues; and Engage with Police Scotland to highlight the need for officers to be aware of illegal evictions law. Future meetings   Meetings to take place every 2 weeks; and Membership to ensure rural representation should be sought.