Private Landlords and Tenants
GOV UK has published information for private landlords and tenants in relation to the Coronavirus pandemic, including information on property access, health and safety obligations, possession proceedings and evictions.
- Information about other City of Lincoln Council services relating to housing
- If you think you might be at risk read our Covid-19 UK Information and Advice page
Key Information for Private Landlords and Tenants
On this page you will find key information for Landlords and Tenants in the private rented sector.
Rent Payments
Tenants should continue to pay rent and abide by all other terms of their tenancy agreement to the best of their ability. Tenants should discuss with their landlord if they are struggling to pay their rent.
Landlords should offer support and understanding to tenants who could be seeing their income fluctuate.
Further advice is available for landlords and tenants on these websites:
Seeking Possession
For information regarding notices seeking possession and evictions please read the latest government guidance .
Eviction of tenants by any means other than through a court order is unlawful and the council will not hesitate to prosecute landlords who attempt to illegally evict or harass tenants.
Tenants who are worried that they may be asked to leave their home should submit the online form at the bottom of this page.
Repairs and Maintenance
Landlords’ repair obligations have not changed.
Tenants have a right to a decent, warm and safe place to live.
We understand that inspections may be more difficult at this time, but this is not a reason for landlords to allow dangerous conditions to persist.
Tenants should let their landlord know as soon as possible if they encounter issues with the condition of their property.
Landlords and contractors should still be allowed to access a property to remedy urgent health and safety issues, such as a faulty boiler, leaking roof, defective bathroom facilities etc.
Please read the government advice on carrying out works in people’s homes
Landlords Safety Obligations
Regulations in respect of gas and electrical safety will still apply.
Landlords should make every effort to abide by the existing gas safety regulations and the electrical safety regulations which come into force on 1 July 2020.
There are provisions in both regulations for non-compliance where landlords can show they have taken all reasonable steps to comply with their duty under these regulations.
Further advice for Landlords is available on the gas safe register website
Houses in Multiple Occupation
All tenants living in accommodation which is shared with other people and households (HMOs) should follow the current government guidance.
Landlords can download further information and a document for any tenants occupying a House in Multiple Occupation at dashservices.org.uk/news
Further Information for Landlords and Tenants
Further information is also available at gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities
The City of Lincoln Council Private Sector Housing Enforcement Team continue to work to ensure tenants are kept safe and landlords are supported.
Worried about being asked to leave your home?
If you are worried that your landlord might ask you to leave your rented property or if you have already been given notice to leave, please complete the online form below.
The Private Housing Team will contact you to see what we can do to help.
Start >
Alternatively, if you wish to speak with a member of our team about your concerns, please call our dedicated helpline on 01522 873 787
The help line is available between 10:00am to 4:00pm Monday to Friday.