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Supporting Our Community – Litter Picking May 2022
17th May 2022Manchester Student Accommodation & Our Neighbours x
https://www.m13groves.org
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Wear and tear-is it fair?…National Residential Landlords Association – Guide to Fair Wear & Tear 2021
11th December 2021Wear and tear-is it fair?
Recently, NRLA deposit protection provider, mydeposits, shared two guides, one about property inventories and a follow up on the importance of photographic evidence. It’s vital that a landlord has a comprehensive inventory with supporting photographs and videos at the end of the tenancy, especially when it comes to assessing what damage caused by the tenant is unreasonable and what might be considered ‘fair wear and tear’.
Wear and tear is a fairly simple principle but can cause landlords a great deal of trouble unless they understand how it differs from wilful or negligent damage caused by the tenant and what level of costs can be proposed at the end of the tenancy.
The House of Lords defines fair wear and tear as ‘reasonable use of the premises by the tenant and the ordinary operation of natural forces’. In the context of residential lettings this isn’t the most useful definition for landlords and agents, so the following guide will help shed some light on what fair wear and tear is and whether damage to the property falls under the umbrella of the term.
This guide will cover:
- What is considered ‘normal’ wear and tear in a rental property?
- The difference between wear and tear and tenant damage
- What to consider when calculating wear and tear
- How to keep wear and tear to a minimum
- A case study highlighting fair wear and tear and damages
What is considered ‘normal’ wear and tear in a rental property?
Fair wear and tear is not a new concept, but it can often be overlooked when landlords and agents look to claim costs from tenants for damages.
In a landmark case in the 1950s (Warren v Keen) a landlord sought to recover costs for a number of alleged defects he felt were the tenant’s responsibility. The presiding judge, Lord Denning, ruled for the tenant stating: ‘The tenant must take proper care of the place… he must do the little jobs about the place which a reasonable tenant would do. In addition, he must, of course, not damage the house, wilfully or negligently; and he must see his family and guests do not damage it: and if they do, he must repair it.’
Critically he also said ‘If the house falls into disrepair through fair wear and tear or lapse of time, or for any reason not caused by him, the tenant is not liable to repair it.’
This example has been referred to over the years in many cases that have reached the Court of Appeal and continues to be an implied and accepted principle in every tenancy agreement.
The difference between wear and tear and tenant damage
A very important rule is that fair wear and tear refers only to the ‘condition’ and not the ‘cleanliness’ of a property or item. The property must be left cleaned to the same standard at the end of the tenancy as it was at the beginning, no matter if the tenancy lasted six months or four years!
In essence, fair wear and tear is the deterioration of an item or area due to its age and that which would be reasonably expected over the course of a tenancy, that is not due to the tenant’s actions or omissions.
For example deterioration such as scuff marks, scratches and wear to flooring is unavoidable in all properties. You must consider whether the deterioration is reasonable, or excessive, for the number of people and whether there are any pets living in the property. The key question is always, what part of any deterioration would have happened naturally anyway and is considered ‘reasonable’? Or is the damage ‘unreasonable’ if it’s over and above what is normal use, considering all the circumstances?
What to consider when calculating wear and tear
There are a number of factors that should be considered when assessing whether any costs should be proposed for damage at the end of the tenancy and calculating wear and tear.
Who your tenants were and how many lived in the property
Different tenants will live differently in your property. Understanding the type of tenant you rent to will help you manage your own expectations on how they might leave the property at the end of the tenancy. If you have an HMO or rent to students for example, you might expect greater wear and tear of the property compared to renting to a professional couple. Consequently, you might consider harder wearing or more economical carpeting and furniture. If you allow tenants to have pets then you might consider hard flooring.
Whoever your tenants are, remember that avoidable damage such as a child’s scribbles on the wall or any ripped furniture, that were not there at the start, is damage and not wear and tear and will therefore be a cost that the tenant is responsible for.
Duration of tenancy and the age, expected life and quality of items and areas
It makes sense that the longer the tenancy the more natural wear and tear will occur and this should be factored into any calculations you make. Tenants are not responsible for normal wear and tear of any part of the property which was there before their tenancy started or during the time they lived there.
When assessing wear and tear, consider the age of the areas or items. What condition were they in to start with? Were they new at the start of the tenancy? The life expectancy of an area or item can vary greatly depending on its quality and the amount of use it gets. High traffic areas such as carpets between two well used rooms will deteriorate more quickly than carpeting in other areas. Adjudicators take a consistent approach to the deterioration of décor and carpets for instance, allowing five years for their lifespan in a tenanted property, and just three years for student tenancies. The evidence will then show if the lifespan on that area or item can be adjusted.
Demonstrating the ‘quality’ of an item would need to be shown through records, such as an invoice or receipt, or a contractor’s report. Ideally this would be evidenced on the inventory at check-in before the tenant moves in. For most tenancies we do recommend removing any expensive furnishings or items that you are not willing to ‘risk’ being damaged.
Avoiding betterment and considering apportionment
As a landlord you are not legally entitled to have old items replaced with new ones at the tenant’s expense which would then leave you better off than you would have been had the damage not happened. This practice is called ‘betterment’.
Instead of benefitting from betterment the landlord must:
- Take into account fair wear and tear
- Carry out the most appropriate remedy, whether replacement or repair
- Not end up financially nor materially better off having observed (1) and (2)
How to keep wear and tear to a minimum
Having thorough reports to rely on is vital when a landlord is looking to prove damage and recover costs. Any dispute, however straightforward, takes time, effort and possibly money, all of which are better spent on other things. So if you can keep wear and tear to a minimum there is less likelihood of this becoming damage and spilling over into a dispute.
There are a few simple things landlords can do to minimise wear and tear:
Communication
Maintaining good relations with your tenant from the start and giving them good guidance on how to look after the property can only be beneficial. Let them know what you expect of them during their tenancy and how best to contact you and report any issues at the time they notice them. Conducting mid-term inspections (i.e. every three or six months) can help you spot any issues as and when they arise. This will allow you to carry out any repairs promptly or give appropriate advice on problems such as condensation, without waiting until the end of the tenancy when problems may have got worse.
Breaking down any proposed costs for a tenant, by showing exactly what was considered and how the amount was calculated, can help diffuse any potential conflict.
Photo and video evidence
The value of good visual evidence accompanying quality check-in and check-out inspection reports and any property visits carried out during the tenancy, will all help in any negotiation.
Also think about other written records which may help, such as invoices and emails.
Photographs and video footage of damage such as burn marks, carpet stains, scratches or damage to woodwork and flooring or tears and rips in furniture can be very useful. Bear in mind the importance of digitally dating photographs to verify when they were taken, or providing an inventory where photographs are embedded.
Evidence which is clearly dated and/or signed by the tenant serves as a good negotiating tool at the end of the tenancy. What’s more, when the tenant is made aware of their responsibilities and the potential cost of not looking after the property they are more likely to keep it in good condition.
For further information, please read our mydeposits guide ‘Using photographs and videos as dispute evidence’.
Dispute example – Damages and fair wear and tear
The example below is taken from a mydeposits dispute case; it highlights the importance of communication, good reports with photographic evidence and record keeping in respect of damages and fair wear and tear.
Disputed amount: £642.96 for damage to three items/areas of a property
Landlord/agent claimed:
That during the tenancy:
- a slightly marked coffee table was left with additional damage and needed repairing
- the washing machine seal had deteriorated due to lack of cleaning and needed replacing
- some kitchen worktops were damaged and needed replacing
Costs to carry out the necessary repairs and replacement were being claimed from the tenant.
Tenant responded:
Saying that:
- there were already marks on the coffee table as listed in the check-in report
- the washing machine should fall under landlord maintenance and the entire property was professionally cleaned on departure
- the worktop already had burn marks, which weren’t noticed until a toaster was moved by them, but they didn’t think it worth mentioning. An additional accidental burn mark was accepted
Evidence provided:
- The tenancy agreement, check-in and check-out reports, dated photos, quotes
Adjudicator’s decision:
- The check-in report reported the coffee table in good condition noting some marks; with supporting photos. The check-out report and photos identified more damage. The adjudicator found the tenant responsible for a contribution towards the quoted repairs as the table had been returned in a worse condition in excess of wear and tear
- The check-in report described the washing machine as ‘like new’. The check-out report noted heavy mould on the rubber seal. The adjudicator accepted the property had been professionally cleaned but this hadn’t removed the mould. The damage was beyond reasonable wear and tear so the tenant was found responsible for the cost of replacing the seal
- The check-in report signed by the tenant said the worktop was in a good, unmarked condition. The checkout report recorded a large white ring mark and three other small burns. There was no evidence to support the tenant’s claim that the burn marks were already there and the landlord was awarded reasonable costs
Award:
To the landlord:
- Coffee table: 60% of the repair cost after factoring in two years’ wear and tear and to avoid betterment for the landlord (£100.68)
- Washing machine: 100% of the cost for the replacement seal, call out charge and labour (£135.70)
- Worktop: 85% for the cost of replacing the damaged section of worktop, allowing for wear and tear and to avoid betterment (£275.00)
Learning points:
- Tenants should be encouraged to report any damages they find as soon as practical, and put it in writing
- Good invoices include a full breakdown of materials, labour and call out charges. This way fair wear and tear is applied to materials only
- Allowance for fair wear and tear should be made, including the condition of items or areas at the start of the tenancy, to avoid putting the landlord in a better position than they would otherwise have been – known as betterment
In summary
Wear and tear is a topic that is open to interpretation and is decided on a case-by-case basis. By giving your tenants good advice, managing the relationship and everyone’s expectations throughout, and with good quality evidence, the likelihood of a formal dispute is reduced. Should things escalate, our tenancy deposit partner mydeposits operates a tried and tested dispute resolution process. Read more about them here.
NRLA members get a 30% discount on the deposit protection fee when they protect a deposit with the mydeposits insurance-based scheme in England and Wales.
Suzy Hershman
Head of Dispute Resolution, mydeposits
Suzy Hershman has worked at mydeposits for over 12 years, embracing every opportunity to share her extensive experience and knowledge by building relationships, listening and asking questions to find out what people want and need from us, whilst educating best practice.
As a government-authorised scheme, mydeposits has protected deposits in England and Wales since 2007 and we are the only scheme which runs licensed schemes in Scotland, Northern Ireland and Jersey. With over 150,000 members, mydeposits is the preferred deposit protection scheme for landlords in England and Wales. We have combined our years of experience with invaluable member feedback, to create an insurance based scheme that legally allows you to keep control of the deposit and a custodial scheme, where you hand the deposit to us to safeguard for the length of the tenancy.
HELPFUL TIPS SUZY HERSHMAN 10/05/2021
Many Thanks to Suzy Hershman for allowing MSA to share this Fantastic & Informative Article.
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Covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do
29th March 202129 March: What’s changed…. 🐝Safe…
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-coronavirus-restrictions-what-you-can-and-cannot-do
Some of the rules on what you can and cannot do changed on 29 March. However, many restrictions remain in place. You must not socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with or have formed a support bubble with. You should continue to work from home if you can and minimise the number of journeys you make where possible. You should get a test and follow the stay at home guidance if you have COVID-19 symptoms.
You can read the ‘COVID-19 Response – Spring 2021 (roadmap)’ for more information on roadmap out of lockdown in England. It is underpinned by law.
From 29 March:
- you can meet outdoors either in a group of 6 (from any number of households), or in a group of any size from up to 2 households (a household can include an existing support bubble, if eligible)
- you can take part in formally organised outdoor sports with any number of people (outdoor sports venues and facilities will be able to reopen)
- childcare and supervised activities are allowed outdoors for all children
- formally organised parent and child groups can take place outdoors for up to 15 attendees. Children under 5 will not be counted in this number
Keeping yourself and others safe
You should stay 2 metres apart from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings) if you cannot stay 2 metres apart.
You should follow the guidance on how to stop the spread of coronavirus at all times, including if you have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
You should follow this guidance in full to limit the transmission of COVID-19. It is underpinned by law.
Face coverings
You must wear a face covering in many indoor settings, such as shops and places of worship, and on public transport, unless you are exempt. This is the law. Read guidance on face coverings.
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, you could be at higher risk of severe illness from coronavirus.
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable, you should continue to follow the guidance for people who are clinically extremely vulnerable. From 1 April, you will no longer be advised to shield. However, you should continue to take precautions to protect yourself.
If you have been vaccinated against COVID-19
To help protect yourself and your friends, family, and community you should continue to follow all of the guidance on this page even if you’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19.
The vaccines have been shown to reduce the likelihood of severe illness in most people. Like all medicines, no vaccine is completely effective, so those who have received the vaccine should continue to take recommended precautions to avoid infection.
We do not know by how much the vaccine stops COVID-19 from spreading. Even if you have been vaccinated, you could still spread COVID-19 to others.
Meeting family and friends indoors
You must not meet indoors with anybody you do not live with or have formed a support bubble with (if you are eligible), or another legal exemption applies.
Meeting friends and family outdoors (rule of 6)
You can meet up outdoors with friends and family you do not live with, either:
- in a group of up to 6 from any number of households (children of all ages count towards the limit of 6)
- in a group of any size from up to two households (each household can include an existing support bubble, if eligible)
If you’re in a support bubble
If you are eligible to form a support bubble, you and your support bubble count as one household towards the limit of 2 households when meeting others outdoors. This means, for example, that you and your support bubble can meet with another household, even if the group is more than 6 people.
Where you can meet
You can meet in a group of 6 or a larger group of any size from up to 2 households (including their support bubbles) outdoors. This includes private outdoor spaces, such as gardens, and other outdoor public places and venues that remain open. These include the following:
- parks, beaches, countryside accessible to the public, forests
- public and botanical gardens
- the grounds of a heritage site
- outdoor sculpture parks
- allotments
- public playgrounds
- outdoor sports venues and facilities
If you need to enter through a house to get to a garden or other outside space and there is no alternative access, you should wear a face covering, wash or sanitise your hands when entering, and then go straight to the outside space. If you need to use the bathroom, wash your hands thoroughly and go back outside immediately. You should maintain social distancing from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble.
When you can meet with more people or meet indoors
Gatherings above the limit of 6 people or 2 households, or gatherings indoors, can only take place if they are permitted by an exception. These exceptions are listed on this page.
Where a group includes someone covered by an exception (for example, someone who is working or volunteering), they are not generally counted as part of the gatherings limit. This means, for example, a tradesperson can go into a household without breaking the limit if they are there for work, and the officiant at a wedding would not count towards the limit.
Support and childcare bubbles
You have to meet certain eligibility rules to form a support or childcare bubble. This means not everyone will be able to form a bubble. See the separate guidance on support bubbles and childcare bubbles.
You can only use a childcare bubble for childcare. You cannot use a childcare bubble to mix with another household for any other reason. This means you cannot use a childcare bubble to meet socially with another household.
Going to work
You should continue to work from home where you can.
If you cannot work from home you should continue to travel to your workplace. This includes, but is not limited to, people who work in:
- critical national infrastructure
- construction
- manufacturing
- childcare or education
- essential public services
- essential retail, such as supermarkets and pharmacies
You do not need to be classed as a critical worker to go to work if you cannot work from home.
Employers and employees should discuss their working arrangements, and employers should take every possible step to facilitate their employees working from home, including providing suitable IT and equipment to enable remote working. Where people cannot work from home, employers should take steps to make their workplaces COVID-19 secure and help employees avoid busy times and routes on public transport. Extra consideration should be given to those people at higher risk.
COVID-secure guidelines are available for sectors across the economy to substantially reduce the risk of transmission.
See guidance for reopening businesses and venues
Meeting others for work
You can gather in larger groups or meet indoors where it is necessary for your work. This does not include social gatherings.
Working in other people’s homes
Where it is reasonably necessary for you to work in other people’s homes you can continue to do so, for example if you’re a:
- nanny
- cleaner
- tradesperson
- social care worker providing support to children and families
You must follow the guidance on working in other people’s homes.
Where a work meeting does not need to take place in a private home or garden, it should not.
If you are clinically extremely vulnerable or live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable
If you have been identified as being clinically extremely vulnerable you are strongly advised to work from home because of the risk of exposure to the virus. If you cannot work from home, then we advise you do not attend work.
If you live with someone who is clinically extremely vulnerable then you can continue to attend work if you are unable to work from home.
You should follow the guidance on how to stop the spread of coronavirus, including what to do to reduce your risk of catching or passing on the virus at home.
If you are worried about going in to work or you cannot work
There is guidance if you need to self-isolate or cannot attend work due to coronavirus and what to do if you’re employed and cannot work.
Citizens Advice has advice if you’re worried about working, including what to do if you think your workplace is not safe, or if you live with someone vulnerable.
Support is available if you cannot work, for example if you need to care for someone or you have less work.
There is further advice for employers and employees from ACAS (the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service).
Going to school or college
School pupils and students in further education should attend school and college.
All schools, colleges and other further education settings are open for face-to-face teaching during term time. It remains very important for children and young people to attend, to support their wellbeing and education and to help working parents and guardians.
Clinically extremely vulnerable pupils and students should return to school or other educational settings from 1 April 2021.
There is further guidance on what parents need to know about early years providers, schools and colleges during COVID-19.
The following people in England will have access to regular rapid lateral flow testing now schools and colleges are open to all students:
- secondary school pupils and college students
- primary and secondary school staff and college staff
- households, childcare and support bubbles of primary and secondary-age pupils and college students
- households, childcare and support bubbles of primary and secondary school and college staff
See the guidance on rapid lateral flow testing for households and bubbles of school pupils and staff
Universities and higher education
Students in university and other higher education settings undertaking practical and practice based courses who require specialist equipment and facilities can attend in-person teaching and learning where reasonably necessary. Providers should not ask students to return if their course can reasonably be continued online.
All other students should continue to learn remotely. They should remain at their current accommodation until they return to in-person teaching.
Students who have returned to higher education settings, including university, should not move back and forward between their permanent home and student home during term time, unless they meet one of the exemptions.
Higher education students who have moved to university accommodation and returned to face-to-face learning will be able to return to a non-term residence before 29 April 2021, if they wish to. This will allow university students to return to a family or other address for the holidays. However, in order to minimise the risk of transmission, students should remain in their term time accommodation where possible, especially those students who returned to campus from 8 March. Students should take a test before they travel.
There is guidance for universities and students starting and returning to higher education in the spring term.
Students should follow the guidance on how to stop the spread of coronavirus at all times.
Childcare
Children over 5 can use registered childcare, childminders, wraparound care and other supervised children’s activities indoors where it is reasonably necessary to enable parents or carers to:
- work
- seek work
- attend education
- seek medical care or attend a support group
Vulnerable children can attend these settings regardless of circumstance as can those eligible for Free School Meals so that they can attend those that are part of the Holiday Activities and Food Programme (HAF) running over the Easter holidays.
Children under 5 can continue to access childcare in all circumstances.
All children can now access outdoor supervised activities for children regardless of need.
Parent and child groups are permitted outdoors, with restrictions on numbers attending. See the parent and child groups section of this guidance.
There are several ways that parents and carers can continue to access childcare:
- early years settings (including nurseries and childminders) are open
- parents are able to form a childcare bubble with one other household for the purposes of informal childcare, where the child is under 14. This must not be used to enable socialising between adults
- some households will also be able to benefit from being in a support bubble, including all those with a child under the age of one
- nannies will be able to continue to provide services, including in the home
Meeting others for childcare
People can continue to gather indoors or in larger groups outdoors where this is reasonably necessary:
- for education, registered childcare, and supervised activities for children, see further information on education and childcare
- for arrangements where children do not live in the same household as both their parents or guardians
- to allow contact between birth parents and children in care, as well as between siblings in care
- for prospective adopting parents to meet a child or children who may be placed with them
- to place or facilitate the placing of a child or children in the care of another by social services
Parent and child groups
The rules on whether you can meet indoors depend on the main purpose of the meeting.
Parent and child groups
Parent and child groups can take place outdoors if they are for the benefit of children aged under 5 and organised by a business, charity or public body. This includes groups that are primarily focused on social and developmental activities (such as art classes).
Parent and child groups can only take place in outdoor spaces, and must not take place in private gardens or homes, or in venues that are otherwise required to close.
Parent and child groups must be limited to no more than 15 attendees. Children under five and anyone working as part of the group are not counted in this number.
Support groups which provide support functions for parents, carers, or their children
Support groups which provide support functions for parents, carers, or their children, such as breastfeeding, postnatal, and baby and toddler groups which have to be delivered in person may continue to meet indoors, but must follow the same rules as other support groups. See the support groups section of this guidance.
Providing care or assistance
People can continue to gather in larger groups or meet indoors where this is reasonably necessary:
- to visit people in your support bubble (if you are legally permitted to form one)
- to provide informal childcare for children under 14 as part of a childcare bubble (for example, to enable parents to work, not to enable socialising between adults)
- to provide emergency assistance
- to attend a support group of up to 15 participants, the limit of 15 does not include children under 5 who are accompanying a parent or guardian
- for respite care where that care is being provided to a vulnerable person or a disabled person, or is a short break in respect of a looked-after child
- to provide care or assistance for disabled or vulnerable people, including shopping for essential items and accessing services on their behalf
You can also provide care or assistance for disabled or vulnerable people inside someone’s home, where necessary. However, you must only meet indoors or in a larger group where it is reasonably necessary to provide care or assistance. This means you cannot meet socially indoors with someone who is vulnerable unless they are in your household or support bubble, or another exemption applies.
You should follow the guidance on how to stop the spread of coronavirus at all times. There is further guidance for those who provide unpaid care to friends or family.
Support groups
Support groups that have to be delivered in person can continue with up to 15 participants where formally organised to provide mutual aid, therapy or any other form of support. Support groups must be organised by a business, charity or public body and must not take place in a private home. All participants should maintain social distancing. Examples of support groups include those that provide support to:
- victims of crime (including domestic abuse)
- those with, or recovering from, addictions (including alcohol, narcotics or other substance addictions) or addictive patterns of behaviour
- those with, or caring for persons with, any long-term illness or terminal condition or who are vulnerable (including those with a mental health condition)
- those facing issues related to their sexuality or identity (including those living as lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender)
- those who have suffered bereavement
- vulnerable young people (including to enable them to meet youth workers)
- disabled people and their carers
Some parent and child groups may also take place indoors. See the parent and child groups section of this guidance.
The limit of 15 does not include children under 5 who are accompanying a parent or guardian. Where a group includes someone covered by an exception (for example, someone who is working or volunteering), they are not generally counted as part of the gatherings limit. This means, for example, a tradesperson can go into a household without breaching the limit, if they are there for work, and the officiant at a wedding would not count towards the limit.
Exercise, sport and physical activity
You can exercise outdoors in a group of 6 or a larger group of any size from up to 2 households (including their support bubbles, if eligible).
You can also take part in formally organised outdoor sports or licensed physical activity with any number of people. This must be organised by a business, charity or public body and the organiser must take the required precautions, including the completion of a risk assessment. You should avoid contact in training and, for some sports, avoid contact in all activities. Read the guidance on what avoiding contact means for your sport.
Outdoor sport and leisure facilities may open. Indoor gyms and other sports facilities, including changing rooms, will remain closed.
You must not meet indoors for sport, except for:
- disability sport
- sports as part of the curriculum in education
- supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s (including those who were under 18 on 31 August 2020), this should be limited to 15 participants
You should follow the guidance:
- on recreational team sport
- on outdoor sport and recreation in England
- for providers of grassroots sports and gym and leisure facilities
Elite sportspeople
Elite sportspeople (or those on an official elite sports pathway) can meet in larger groups or meet indoors to compete and train. They can be joined by their coaches if necessary, or their parents and guardians if they’re under 18.
Funerals and linked commemorative events
Funerals are allowed with limits on attendance, and must only take place in COVID-secure venues or in public outdoor places. The venue manager or event organiser must take the required precautions, including the completion of a risk assessment.
Funerals can be attended by a maximum of 30 people and may take place indoors. Linked religious, belief-based or commemorative events, such as wakes, stone settings and ash scatterings can also continue with up to 6 people in attendance.
Anyone working is not counted in these limits. Social distancing should be maintained between people who do not live together or share a support bubble.
There is guidance for arranging or attending a funeral during the coronavirus pandemic.
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies and receptions
Weddings and civil partnership ceremonies must only take place with up to 6 people. Anyone working is not counted in this limit. Social distancing should be maintained between people who do not live together or share a support bubble.
Wedding or civil partnership ceremonies can take place in licensed venues that are not expressly required to close under the COVID-19 regulations, in some venues that are only partially closed, and in venues that are permitted to open for the purposes of providing unrestricted services. Indoor hospitality venues must remain closed. There is guidance for small marriages and civil partnerships.
Any wedding reception or civil partnership celebration following the event must adhere to social contact limits. This means you cannot socialise indoors with anyone you do not live with or have formed a support bubble with. However, small gatherings can take place outdoors in a group of six, or 2 households (a household can include an existing support bubble, if eligible).
Places of worship
You can attend places of worship for a service. When a service is taking place indoors you must not mingle with anyone outside of your household or support bubble. You should maintain social distancing at all times, staying 2 metres apart from anyone who is not in your household or support bubble.
When a service is taking place outdoors, you must not mingle in groups larger than 6, except for groups from up to 2 households (a household can include an existing support bubble, if eligible). You should maintain strict social distancing from other groups and households at all times.
You should follow the national guidance on the safe use of places of worship.
Volunteering and charitable services
You can gather above the limit of 6 people or 2 households, or gather indoors, where this is reasonably necessary in order to provide voluntary or charitable services.
You should follow the guidance on how to help safely.
Other circumstances where you can gather in groups of more than six people or two households
Maternity
You can meet indoors to be with someone who is giving birth or receiving treatment in hospital. You should check the relevant hospital’s visiting policies. There is further NHS guidance on pregnancy and coronavirus.
Avoiding injury or harm
You can gather in larger groups or indoors to provide emergency assistance, and to avoid injury or illness, or to escape a risk of harm (including domestic abuse).
Compassionate visits
You can gather in larger groups or indoors, with people outside your household or support bubble, to:
- visit someone who is dying
- visit someone in a care home (if permitted under care home guidance), hospital or hospice
- to accompany a family member or close friend to a medical appointment.
Additional exemptions
There are further reasonable excuses. For example, you may gather in larger groups or meet indoors:
- to fulfil legal obligations
- to carry out activities related to buying, selling or moving house
- for the purpose of COVID-Secure protests or picketing where the organiser has taken the required precautions, including the completion of a risk assessment
- where it is reasonably necessary to support voting in an election or referendum (such as vote counting or for legal observers).
Those who are campaigning for a specific outcome in elections or referendums can carry out door to door campaigning activity in accordance with guidance on elections and referendums during COVID-19.
You can gather in larger groups or meet indoors for gatherings within criminal justice accommodation or immigration detention centres.
Care home visits
You should check the guidance on visiting care homes during COVID-19 to find out how visits should be conducted. Residents must follow the national restrictions if they are having a visit out of the care home.
There is separate guidance for those in supported living.
If you break the rules
The police can take action against you if you meet in larger groups. This includes breaking up illegal gatherings and issuing fines (fixed penalty notices).
You can be given a Fixed Penalty Notice of £200 for the first offence, doubling for further offences up to a maximum of £6,400.
You can be fined £800 if you attend a private indoor gathering such as a house party of over 15 people from outside your household, which will double for each repeat offence to a maximum level of £6,400.
If you hold, or are involved in holding, an illegal gathering of over 30 people, the police can issue fines of £10,000.
Staying away from home overnight
You should not stay overnight in a second home, caravan or boat, if that is not your primary residence, unless it is necessary to do so. For example, for work, moving home, to attend a medical appointment, or to avoid injury, illness or harm (including domestic abuse). You should not be going on holiday at this stage.
You must not stay overnight with anyone who you don’t live with or have formed a support bubble with (where eligible) unless a legal exemption applies.
Guest accommodation providers such as hotels, B&Bs and caravan parks may only remain open for the specific reasons set out in law.
You must not stay overnight away from your home in holiday accommodation such as a hotel unless you:
- are unable to return to your main residence
- need accommodation while moving house
- need accommodation to attend a funeral or related commemorative event, or following a bereavement of a close family member or friend
- need accommodation to attend a medical appointment or receive treatment
- need accommodation for work purposes or to provide voluntary services, or attend education
- are a child requiring accommodation for school or care
- are homeless, seeking asylum, a vulnerable person seeking refuge, or if escaping harm (including domestic abuse)
- are an elite athlete or their support staff or parent provided the athlete is under 18 and it is necessary to be outside of the home in order to take part in training or a competition
A full list of reasons can be found in the guidance on closing certain businesses and venues in England.
Travelling within England
You should minimise travel where possible. This means you should:
- avoid making unnecessary trips
- combine trips where possible
You should not stay away from home overnight for a holiday.
If you need to travel:
- walk or cycle where possible
- avoid car sharing with anyone from outside your household or your support bubble
- plan ahead and avoid busy times and routes on public transport
- regularly wash or sanitise your hands
- wear a face covering on public transport, unless exempt
- stay 2 metres apart from people you do not live with where possible, or 1 metre with extra precautions in place (such as wearing face coverings or increasing ventilation indoors)
There is additional guidance on safer travel, including on the safe use of public transport.
Travelling within the UK
Travelling to England
You can enter England from other parts of the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey and the Isle of Man. This is sometimes known as the Common Travel Area. However, there may be restrictions in place in the area you intend to travel from which prevent you from travelling. For example, if you are in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, there may be a requirement to stay at home or “Stay Local” where you live, which means you cannot travel to England.
You should check the restrictions in place where you intend to travel from before making arrangements to travel. If you do travel to England, you must follow the restrictions on what you can and cannot do.
Travelling from England
You may leave England to travel to other parts of the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Jersey, Guernsey or the Isle of Man. However, there may be restrictions in place in the area you intend to travel to which prevent you from travelling. You may only be able to travel for certain reasons, such as work. You should check the restrictions in place at your intended destination before making arrangements to travel.
International travel
Travelling internationally from England
You can only travel internationally from England where you have a reasonable excuse to leave the UK, such as work. International holidays are not permitted.
Some jobs qualify for exemptions for certain travel related requirements, such as self isolation and testing. See guidance on which jobs and circumstances qualify for travel exemptions.
If you do need to travel overseas (and have a reasonable excuse to do so), you are required to complete a new mandatory outbound ‘Declaration to Travel’ form from 29 March unless an exemption applies to you. You must state your reasons for travel on the form before leaving the UK.
In addition, you should consider the public health advice in the country you are visiting. You should look at the rules in place at your destination and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice. You should do this even if you are returning to a place you’ve visited before.
Travelling to England from outside the UK
All visitors to England are subject to the coronavirus restriction rules.
All those planning to travel to England should follow the guidance on entering the UK. Before travelling to the UK, you must complete a passenger locator form and have proof of a negative COVID-19 test, unless you are exempt.
All arrivals will need to take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test on day 2 and day 8 of quarantining. Arrivals must book a travel test package. See the guidance on how to quarantine when you arrive in England.
You cannot travel to the UK if you’ve visited or passed through a country where travel to the UK is banned in the last 10 days, unless you’re:
- a British national
- an Irish national
- anyone with residence rights in the UK
Everyone allowed to enter England who has visited or passed through a country where travel to the UK is banned in the last 10 days must:
- quarantine for 10 days in a managed quarantine hotel
- take a coronavirus (COVID-19) test on or before day 2 and on or after day 8 of quarantining, the tests are included in the hotel package
- follow the guidance on this page
See the guidance on booking and staying in a quarantine hotel when you arrive in England
Advice for visitors and foreign nationals in England
Foreign nationals are subject to the national restrictions.
If you are visiting the UK, you may return home. You should check whether there are any restrictions in place at your destination.
Moving home
You can still move home. People outside your household or support bubble should not help with moving house unless absolutely necessary.
Estate and letting agents and removals firms can continue to work. If you are looking to move, you can go to property viewings.
Follow the national guidance on moving home safely, which includes advice on social distancing, letting fresh air in, and wearing a face covering.
Financial support
Wherever you live, you may be able to get financial help.
See further information on business support and financial support if you’re off work because of coronavirus.
Businesses and venues
To reduce social contact, some businesses must remain closed or follow restrictions on how they provide goods and services. The full list of businesses required to remain closed can be found in the guidance on closing certain businesses and venues in England.
There is further guidance on reopening businesses and venues which explains which business will be permitted to open at each step of the roadmap.
Healthcare and public services
The NHS and medical services remain open, including:
- dental services
- opticians
- audiology services
- chiropody
- chiropractors
- osteopaths
- other medical or health services, including services relating to mental health
The NHS continues to carry out urgent and non-urgent services safely. It is vital anyone who thinks they need any kind of medical care comes forward and seeks help.
The majority of public services will continue. These include:
- Jobcentre Plus sites
- courts and probation services
- civil registrations offices
- passport and visa services
- services provided to victims of crime
- waste or recycling centres
- getting an MOT
Published 29 March 2021 -
CAMPAIGN to STOP!.. Agent Charges being passed on to Students in Rent’s !!……
3rd February 2021PLEASE Support us by leaving a Review – https://g.page/manchester-student-accommodation/review?rc
At Manchester Student Accommodation, we are aware that Landlords get charged Huge Fees to advertise their properties that they simply added to rents to be paid by students! They also get charge students finders fees too!
We have simply taken away this unnecessary burden of extra cost and hassle providing a free and direct website between Tenants and Landlords.
Relax in the comfort of your armchair & let your fingers do the searching.
Find the property you want with DIRECT with NO fees!
www.msa4u.co.uk
United
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Googles – Best Student Accommodation Manchester
3rd February 2021#manchesterstudentaccommodation #studentaccommodationmanchester…
Posted by Manchester Student Accommodation on Tuesday, 17 December 2019
The Best.
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A Mouth Mask is not a Face Covering/Shield as it ONLY covers your Mouth?? !!…
21st January 2021A Mouth Mask is not a Face Covering/Shield as it ONLY covers your Mouth?? !!…Manchester Student Accommodation has been distributing FREE face shields in and around Manchester, in addition to providing them FREE with surgical gloves to all prospective tenant’s viewings of our properties in order that we may ensure the maximum safety of prospective tenants, our current tenants, staff and ourselves.Wearing a mouth mask and using hand sanitisers have very quickly been forced to become our social norm, however, this does not have seemed to resolve our problem of reducing or eliminating this dreadful worldwide virus.Considering that the air from our breath contains water vapour which disperses in the air, mouth coverings although protecting you from inhaling this vapour does not protect your face from the wet vapours that may be in the air? You can clearly see this in a cold climate.Hand sanitisers although (hopefully) providing a limited time of sterilisation/protection to our hands, is not as protective as protective hand/surgical gloves.Considering that Face Shields together with mouth mask and surgical hand protection (Gloves) are used by the majority of hospital Staff to afford and ensure them the maximum necessary protection whilst tirelessly working away to save the lives of our loved one and us, Manchester Student Accommodation has adopted our policies above.Mindful of the strange looks of concern you may receive, as when we would once look at people wearing face mask before this unprecedented disaster, we have customised our shield with positive wording and Logos in order to ease the fear and concern that we all now share, encouraging others to be as mindful and cautions as possible at all times.THE MORE SAFETY WE EXERCISE THE MORE WE PROTECT OTHERS AND SUPPORT OUR NHS.WE♥MCR -
360° Online Web Viewings…
29th October 2020Check Out – Virtual 360° Web Viewing of properties ONLINE NOW! –
Student Accommodation Hunt 2021 – 2022 –
In this current climate, we do hope that virtually viewing a property will assist in cutting down viewing times and the necessity to trawl around properties trying to remember what exactly there were like after seeing so many.
We always encourage you to please also view each property to ensure that you are completely satisfied before committing to it.
Safe & Happy Hunting!!
Msa4u Team
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360° Web Tour Properties Now Advertising for – 01 July 2021 to 30 June 2022
28th October 2020Virtual 360 Web Tour –
Smart.
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Agent fees are going up as much as 4% because of the tenant fee ban… and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it – right? Wrong.
9th April 2019Agent fees are going up as much as 4% because of the tenant fee ban… and there is absolutely nothing you can do about it – right?
Wrong.
We have never charged tenant fees so have no need to make up the difference. (We don’t drive fancy MINIs either so that helps…)
www.msa4u.co.uk its simple))
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