23 Jun 2020
Scottish Government guidance on agreeing offers during COVID-19
The Scottish Government has issued new guidance for people agreeing offers to move home during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Once you have agreed to buy or rent a property by concluding missives or signing a tenancy agreement, you have entered into a legal agreement and a moving date will be set.
However, the government is encouraging all parties to be as flexible as possible over this period and be prepared to delay actual moves if needed, for example, if someone is shielding, becomes ill with COVID-19 during the moving process or has to self-isolate.
People should not move into any home where people are ill or self-isolating, or before it has been properly cleaned.
Matters to discuss with your solicitor
When buying a home, you and your solicitor should discuss the possible impact of COVID-19 on any contract and, where needed, your solicitor will be able to advise you and help make such contract as flexible as possible to accommodate these risks.
The government has asked that you to be as flexible as possible if you are asked to delay your move and speak to your solicitor, letting agent or landlord about this.
Other matters to consider
It may also not be possible for home moves to take place on the same day.
The government is urging people to think about the scheduling of any move, and where they might stay in between moves, taking into account the relevant health guidance.
You may also wish to discuss this with your solicitor or letting agent or landlord.
Tenancies
After accepting a tenancy in either the social housing or private rented sector, you should notify the landlord immediately if you subsequently become ill with COVID-19 or anyone in your household is self-isolating and is unable to move into the rented property by the date of entry agreed.
This is so that the landlord or letting agent can agree a way forward with you.
Speak to an expert
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