The government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak when it comes to protecting private landlords and tenants has been “right and fair”, according to Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action. 

The eviction specialist has commended the government’s decision to ban evictions for three months during the COVID-19 crisis. The move is designed to protect tenants who cannot pay their rent because of job losses or having to look after their children as a result of coronavirus.

But to make sure landlords do not suffer, the government also revealed that buy-to-let mortgages would also be covered by the 12-week payment break.

Paul Shamplina, founder of Landlord Action, said: “These are unprecedented times and all landlords must now work collaboratively with their tenants to come to solutions to get us through this public health crisis and move forward after.

“The measures taken are right and fair; no one wants to see a tenant be forced out of their home due to loss of income as a result of coronavirus, nor does anyone want to see landlords face unmanageable debts.”

Landlord Action will shortly be launching a tenant mediation service which will involve the company working collaboratively with the Property Redress Scheme to offer support to both landlords and tenants to come to suitable arrangements for the future.

Landlord Action is awaiting confirmation from the government as to the details of the suspension, a possible verification process, and also information on what will happen with current possession claims that are going through the court process.

Shamplina added: “We would urge landlords to be as flexible as possible with tenants facing difficulties with their rent payments arising from the current situation.”