Mortgage Lenders Introduce New Policies for More Flexible Routes for Buyers

The property market has been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis, but now mortgage lenders are beginning to introduce new measures to make things easier for people looking to buy or sell during this tough time. The aim is to reduce the amount of disruption caused to such transactions by COVID-19 in the coming months.

We have outlined some measure that we have come across ourselves, and we hope that they may be of help to our readers interested or involved in conveyancing.

Remote legal advice can be acceptable

Whenever there is potential conflict of interest issues or other occupiers rather than the mortgagees themselves, lenders will ask the relevant persons to seek independent legal advice and for a certificate to be sent to the lender to confirm that this has been satisfied. Such advice is normally done face-to-face. With the social distance rules in place, more and more lenders are starting to accept remote advice. It is worth enquiring with your specific lender if this is a possibility.

Property searches may not be demanded

In light of the fact that many solicitors have been unable to obtain property searches for their clients or had such searches severely delayed, to enable transactions to progress without delay, many lenders may be willing to accept in lieu of searches a “no-Search” indemnity insurance policy to cover any risks associated with proceeding with the transaction without search results being received.

Lenders may accept expired searches

In order to make sure their customers are able to complete within the period of their mortgage offer, where searches received in respect of the security property have, due to any delay in the transaction, recently expired, lenders may accept search indemnity insurance policies in lieu of customers obtaining a new set of searches. Once again, please do not hesitate to check with your lender.

Of course, not everything comes so easily. With the uncertainty caused by Covid-19, more and more lenders are also asking mortgagees to make further declarations to confirm that they have considered the financial risks and any other risks associated with the completion of their mortgage in this challenging economic environment and that they are still willing to go ahead with the mortgage.

The declaration may include confirmation of a stable financial position, no plan of requesting a mortgage holiday in the near future, and an understanding that the mortgagees may be contacted by the lenders if need be.

Such declarations may have to be signed before lenders are willing to make available any funds.

Have questions? We are here to help!

We are operating as usual, and you can reach us on 020 7928 0276 or email in to info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Or, why not download our free app today? You can launch a new enquiry, scan over documents and much more.

If you have an iPhone, follow this link to download.

If you use an Android phone, follow this link to download.

Find the link here if you need some further instructions on how to use our new app!

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May 19, 2020
Congestion Charge, Coronavirus, London, TFL, Travel

More funding in place for TFL

A statement issued from the Department of Transport today (18.05.20) states the following:

“In order to keep vital public transport services running in London and further ramp up services to support social distancing, the government agreed on Thursday 14 May a package of support for Transport for London (TfL). It comprises £1.095 billion of new grant and a further loan facility of £505 million. The support can be increased by a further £300 million of grant and loan if revenue loss is higher than forecast at this time.

The settlement for TfL was needed for two reasons. Most important is the significant fall in revenue caused by COVID-19. However, an important secondary factor was the pre-existing poor condition of TfL’s financial position as a result of decisions made over the last 4 years. Combined with significant cost increases and delays to Crossrail, this left TfL in serious financial difficulty even before the public health emergency.”

There will also be a number of additional conditions, including: restoring services to 100% of pre-COVID levels as soon as possible; requiring TfL to collect fares on buses while ensuring driver safety, which it had stopped doing during the crisis; easing congestion by the temporary suspension of free travel for over-60s in the morning peak and temporarily suspending free travel for under-18s all day. Disabled people will still be able to make use of their concession passes all day, and special arrangements will be made for those children who qualify for free travel to schools.

These suspensions are being made in an attempt to lower the amount of congestion on public transport, thus reducing the spread of COVID-19. Essentially, the government only want people using public transport for essential journeys.

Congestion Charge Increase

There has been some confusion in the responses to London Mayor Sadiq Kahn announced that the congestion charge will be raised from £11.50 to £15. People have been told to avoid public transport if at all possible, which will mean many people will choose to drive instead.

For those travelling to work, this will be a hard pill to swallow. It means they will have to pay more to drive into London, but have little choice in the matter if they want to keep their chances of catching coronavirus as slim as possible. It is a Catch 22 situation.

Have questions? We are here to help!

We are operating as usual, and you can reach us on 020 7928 0276 or email in to info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Or, why not download our free app today? You can launch a new enquiry, scan over documents and much more.

If you have an iPhone, follow this link to download.

If you use an Android phone, follow this link to download.

Find the link here if you need some further instructions on how to use our new app!

lisaslaw@web

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Lisa’s Law COVID-19 Update: Your Online Solicitor!

Business is operating as usual here at Lisa’s Law Solicitors, and we have many brand new developments to ensure a high quality and efficient legal service is provided to our clients.

While rules relating to coronavirus mean people now have to stay indoors, we have adapted and brought in new technology which allows clients to remotely instruct with ease.

Instructing us from the comfort of your own home!

Clients are now truly spoilt for choice when it comes to instructing us, it really could not be easier.

Everything can be done while sitting on the couch, walking the dog, or even lounging in bed!

You do not need to risk your health to instruct us.

Have a read about the new contact options below:

Mobile App

We have developed a brand new mobile app which is available on both iPhone and Android smart phones as well as tablets, which you can download for free on the App Store and Google Play, just search for ‘Lisas Law’ and it will come up!

On this app clients new and old will be able to launch a New Enquiry with us by filling out a simple and quick form, which will be sent directly to us – it couldn’t be easier!

Once the case is underway clients can keep up with all the developments using the Check Your Case function. They will know exactly what stage their case is at in seconds, with a touch of a button.

Getting important information over to us has been streamlined as well, with the innovative Scan Document function. Clients will be able to scan multiple documents at a time, hit one button to convert them into pdf format, then one more button to send them directly to us. It’s so simple!

How to use our new app

Simple and Efficient

These are the key attributes of the app. Its purpose is to allow for easier instruction for the client, and faster high quality legal service from our caseworkers.

The following are instructions on how to use the functions of the app once you have downloaded it onto your device:

This is the homepage of the app, where you can see its main functions:

New Enquiry – this is where you can start instructing us from scratch.
Check your case – this is where you can follow progress of an existing case.
Scan Document – this is where you can scan and send over documents that are needed for your case.
Contact us – this is where you can find our other contact options.
About us – this is where you can read some information about our firm and our staff.

New Enquiry:

Simply click into the New Enquiry tab, and you will be faced with this very simple form.

All you have to do is fill out your personal details, and then give a brief outline of your case.

It is vital you give us contact information with which we will be able to get through to you.

This information will then be sent to a monitored inbox, and one of our specialist caseworkers will get back to you with a swift reply.

Check your case:

This is available once you have begun a case with us. You will be able to login to Osprey with details from us, and follow the progress of your case, no matter where you are, with the click of a button.

Scan Document:

This is a very important part of the app, and it is integral that it is used correctly.

To scan a document, lay the document out flat so that it is easy to read.

Then click the button with the cross at the bottom right of the screen. This will open your phone camera.

You will then be able to take pictures of the documents, one after the other. Please scan them in chronological order, making sure the information has been properly included.

Once you have scanned the documents, hit the PDF button, which will bind them together into PDF format.

Once you’ve done this, press the envelope symbol. This will then prompt you to enter your full name or case number if you have one. It is vital you enter this correctly.

Once you have done this, will be able to send everything through to our Documentation Inbox safely and securely.

Download the app today, specialist legal advice is just a click away.

Of course, we are here to support you every step of the way, so please get in contact if you need any help at all using the app. Our main concern is client satisfaction

Ask Lisa

Our website has been revamped, it’s now easier on the eyes as well as easier to use.

One of its main new features is Ask Lisa. By simply clicking on the Ask Lisa icon, the user will be faced with a very simple form into which they can write down whatever legal issue they need help with.

This will be sent to a specifically created email inbox and answered extremely swiftly by a member of our team. Quick, effective legal advice at your fingertips.

See for yourself here.

Q+A’s

Another feature of our new website is a Q+A’s section. Here, clients will be able to select from a variety of forums and read existing information or create a profile and write in their own questions which we will then respond to.

Having a bank of questions and answers available on our site is important to us, as we want each visit to our web page to be a learning experience for the user.

Our advanced phone system

If you prefer to contact us by phone. You can call our office on 020 7928 0276 as usual.

Our advanced phone system allows us to answer your queries as usual, whether we are working from home or in the office. Your matters will always be handled with professionalism and integrity.

Our priority is to ensure our clients will not be affected by the current pandemic.

More ways to stay connected with us?

Email into info@lisaslaw.co.uk, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and LinkedIn!

We are ready for anything

The coronavirus has majorly affected all parts of our society, but we are confident that with these new technologies in place we can keep on working as normal, with the same care and expertise as usual!

We are here for all your legal needs. At these difficult times, we can be counted on!

Looking for a solicitor does not mean that you have to risk leaving your home.

lisaslaw@web

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The Most Recent Changes to Immigration Rules – key things to be aware of

It might seem like a strange time for the Home Office to change the Immigration Rules, with a global pandemic going on which has already cast so much uncertainty over the world.

Nonetheless, they are never short of surprises. On 14^th May 2020, the Secretary of the State laid down changes to the Immigration Rules before Parliament. The main changes are mostly about the EU Settlement Scheme and business immigration. Some of them will be welcomed, such as the new policies for victims of domestic abuse and family members of Northern Irish people. However, representatives of overseas businesses will have less to celebrate.

Most of the changes summarised below come into force on 4 June 2020, except for the ones relating to the EU Settlement Scheme, which take effect on 24 August 2020.

EU Settlement Scheme

Northern Ireland Citizens and Their Family Members

Some positive changes have been made this time around. The most significant being the expansion of the scope of the EU Settlement Scheme to include the family members of certain British citizens. Family members of certain Northern Irish citizens can now apply for immigration status under the Settlement Scheme rather than through the regular UK family immigration system.

To qualify under the Settlement Scheme, the Northern Irish citizens will have to meet the following requirements:

Have British or Irish or both nationality/ies
Were born in Northern Ireland
When born, one or both of their parents must be:
- Irish; or
- British; or
- Both; or
- Having no restriction to live in Northern Ireland.

In the past people, who have identified themselves and their family members as British, have not been able to rely on EEA law to apply for immigration status. The Home Office has always insisted that they can only apply under the UK’s domestic immigration laws.

Compared to the UK’s domestic law, any family members of EEA nationals applying for immigration status in the UK have the following benefits:

They do not need to be in the UK lawfully in order to apply;

They do not need to meet any minimum annual income (currently, for family members of British nationals, they will need to show an annual income of no less than £18,600 and £22,400 for two persons applying);

They do not need to meet any English and accommodation requirements;

The applications are normally free; while for family members of British nationals, there are £1,033 Home Office fees, £1,000 IHS fees per person; and

The visa permit is 5 years, while it is only 2.5 years for domestic family applications.

Victims of Domestic Violence/Abuse

Another change on the EU Settlement Scheme is about the scope of victims of domestic abuse/violence who can continue to enjoy the benefits under the EEA laws.

Currently, only ex-spouses of EEA nationals who were victims of domestic abuse are able to retain their rights of residence. From August, it will include any family members who falls within the scope of the Scheme (including durable partners, children, dependent parents and dependent relatives), and whose family relationship with a relevant EEA citizen broke down as a result of domestic abuse against them or another family member.

Victims of domestic abuse will be able to rely on this, together with their own continuous residence in the UK, in applying for status under the EU Settlement Scheme. This is clearly a big step in the right direction in giving victims of domestic abuse the support they need.

It is clearly a huge improvement compared to the domestic immigration law in the UK. Under the current laws, only people who are on spouse visas will be protected and can apply for status without relying on the abusive sponsoring partners.

Other migrants will not receive any protection from the Home Office, even if they are found to be victims of domestic violence/abuse. They include people who are on discretionary leave to remain and other type visas such as Tier 1 and Tier 2 dependent visas.

However, we have to point out that the improvement has not gone far enough. Unlike bereaved family members of EEA nationals, victims of domestic violence/abuse still need to wait for 5 years before they can apply for settlement. They also need to prove that they are either working or looking for jobs. In other words, they themselves need to prove that they are “qualified persons”.

Under the UK domestic immigration laws, victims of domestic violence/abuse who are on spouse visas can immediately apply for settlement.

There are also minor technical and practical changes including:

The Home Office may ask an applicant to provide a certified English translation (or a Multilingual Standard Form) of a document which is not in English.
Some paper forms may be sent by email, provided an email address is specified on the form. If an application is sent by email, the date of application will be the date “on which it is recorded by the Home Office e-mail software as received”.

Start up and Innovator visas

The changes made by the Home Office on 14^th May 2020 are focused on the following points:

The Home Office will be able to request further information or evidence from applicants or their endorsing bodies, if they have concerns that an endorsement has been issued inappropriately, and to refuse applications if they are not satisfied the endorsement criteria have been met.

Higher education providers can now be endorsing bodies for Innovator visas (they used to only be able to endorse Start-up applicants).

The vague word “viability” used to judge a business idea to be endorsed has been usefully clarified and rephrased as “the applicant’s business plan is realistic and achievable based on the applicant’s available resources”. This seems a logical and clear addition to the rules.

Applicants may change business venture, providing their endorsing body is satisfied the new venture meets all of the criteria for endorsement, without having to obtain a new endorsement or make a new application (this was already in the guidance but is now also in the rules).

An Innovator applicant’s business may be already trading, providing they were one of its founders. To relying on existing businesses, applicants must be founders of their businesses and be relying on their own business plans. They must have “generated the ideas in the plan (or made a significant contribution to those ideas) and must be responsible for executing the plan”. Presumably, this is to avoid applicants relying on a third party providing the business plan and them implementing it, in line with the definition of “innovate”.

Global Talent visa

The changes in this route are fairly small and mostly come from requests by endorsing bodies. They include:

The British Fashion Council wanted to clarify that it will consider applications specifically for those involved in fashion design rather than the wider industry.

Letters of recommendations should be no longer than three sides of A4 sides, excluding the credentials of the author.

Documentation from third parties should show the organisation’s logo and registered address.

There is also new clarification that exceptional promise applicants in the field of Arts and Culture can submit evidence of appearances in which they were not named. They have the option to provide evidence from a senior individual linked to the work in question, outlining the significant and direct contribution the applicant made.

Representatives of overseas businesses

The rules for representatives of overseas businesses, also known as ‘sole reps’ are becoming stricter.

The Rules now include a “genuineness assessment”, specifying that a sole rep needs to “genuinely” meet the Rules. What this essentially means is that the Home Office can now refuse an application if they suspect any unsavoury use of the rules.

This will clearly open a door for the Home Office’s caseworkers to make assessment based on his/her personal opinions, which will potentially lead to judicial challenges in the future.

In the meantime, in order to collect information and/or evidence to strengthen his/her opinion, the caseworkers tend to resort to interviews. It can be predicted that sol reps applications will be subjected to more of such interviews in the future.

In addition, the rules now also state that the applicant must have “relevant skills, experience and knowledge of the business”. This seems like an obvious requirement, but the new specific inclusion of this will further lead to more and more subjective opinions in the process of decision making.

Finally, the Rules now limit the ability of those with a majority stake in the overseas business to use this route. In particular:

Where the Rules used to say that a sole representative should not be “a majority shareholder in the overseas business”, they now say the sole representative should not “have a majority stake in, or otherwise own or control, that overseas business, whether that ownership control is by means of shareholding, partnership agreement, sole proprietorship or any other arrangement”. The definition is quite wide and loose. Clearly any indirect shareholding or control will be included in deciding whether a majority stake situation has arisen.

It is no longer possible for the partner of a sole rep applicant with a majority stake in the overseas business to rely on the Rules to come and live in the UK as his/her dependent.

The direct effect of the above change is that owners of family businesses where husbands and wives own or controls business together are unlikely to be able to migrant to the UK under this route in the future.

The full Changes to the Immigration Rules can be found here.

Have any questions? We are here to help!

We are operating as usual, and you can reach us on 020 7928 0276 or email in to info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Or, why not download our free app today? You can launch a new enquiry, scan over documents and much more.

If you have an iPhone, follow this link to download.

If you use an Android phone, follow this link to download.

Find the link here if you need some further instructions on how to use our new app!

lisaslaw@web

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May 18, 2020
Coronavirus, COVID 19, Symptoms, Update

UK officially adds loss of taste and smell to COVID-19 symptoms

A loss of taste or smell have now been added to the list of symptoms related to coronavirus, and if people realise they are experiencing this they should stay home for at least 7 days.

Up until now, only a fever and cough were triggers for people to shut themselves away in self-isolation in case they had and could spread the infection.

Ear, nose and throat doctors had been warning for weeks that more symptoms should be included. Now, scientific advisers told the government to update the advice.

It is worth remembering that loss of smell and taste may still be signs of other respiratory infections, such as the common cold. Experts say fever and cough remain the most important symptoms of coronavirus to look out for.

Have any questions? We are here to help!

We are operating as usual, and you can reach us on 020 7928 0276 or email in to info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Or, why not download our free app today? You can launch a new enquiry, scan over documents and much more.

If you have an iPhone, follow this link to download.

If you use an Android phone, follow this link to download.

Find the link here if you need some further instructions on how to use our new app!

lisaslaw@web

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How should business owners be keeping their workspace clean and safe for their employees?

The workforce in England is still being told to work from home where they possibly can, a rule which will come as a relief to most people as the struggle against COVID-19 continues.

However, some people will be going into work now that Boris Johnson has encouraged those who cannot do their jobs from home to cautiously return. It is vital that employers take every measure possible to ensure their employees are coming into safe and clean workspaces.

In many cases, cleaning companies may be hired to ensure maximum peace of mind for everyone returning to work – but where this is not an option the below guidance should be followed in order to get your working area safely cleaned and ready for your employees to come back to.

Only certain people should be going to the office

Consider who is needed to be on-site; for example:

Workers in roles critical for business and operational continuity, which cannot be done from home. Or workers in similarly essential positions, who are unable to work from home due to external circumstances.

The less people in the workspace the better, is the general rule.

Preparing to clean

Wear disposable or washing-up gloves and aprons for cleaning, along with a face mask. These should be double-bagged, then stored securely for 72 hours then thrown away in the regular rubbish after cleaning is finished. Use shoe coverings if you can as well.

Open any windows you can to get some air flowing through the property.

Using a disposable cloth, first clean hard surfaces with warm soapy water. Then disinfect these surfaces with the cleaning products you normally use. Pay particular attention to frequently touched areas and surfaces, such as bathrooms, grab-rails in corridors and stairwells and door handles.

If an area has been heavily contaminated, such as with visible bodily fluids, use protection for the eyes, mouth and nose, as well as wearing gloves and an apron while cleaning.

Wash hands regularly with soap and water for 20 seconds, and after removing gloves, aprons and other protection used while cleaning

Avoid creating splashes or spray when cleaning, as this can create new contaminated areas which are hard to keep track of.

Any cloths and mop heads used must be disposed of and should be put into waste bags.

When items cannot be cleaned using detergents or laundered, for example, upholstered furniture and mattresses, steam cleaning should be used.

Any items that are heavily contaminated with body fluids and cannot be cleaned by washing should be disposed of.

Hygiene: hand-washing, sanitation facilities and toilets

Using signs and posters to build awareness of good handwashing technique, the need to increase handwashing frequency, avoid touching your face and to cough or sneeze into a tissue which is binned safely, or into your arm if a tissue is not available.

Other suggested methods to keep the workplace clean:

Providing regular reminders and signage to maintain personal hygiene standards.
Providing hand sanitiser in multiple locations in addition to washrooms.
Setting clear use and cleaning guidance for toilets to ensure they are kept clean and social distancing is achieved as much as possible.
Enhancing cleaning for busy areas.
Providing more waste facilities and more frequent rubbish collection.
Providing hand drying facilities – either paper towels or electrical driers.
Personal deliveries to the workplace should be kept to a minimum.

Deliveries to other sites

Put procedures in place to minimise person-to-person contact during deliveries to other sites. For example, arranging pick up points in advance, and keeping 2 metres between you and workers from other companies.

Maintaining consistent pairing where 2-person deliveries are required.

Minimising contact during payments and exchange of documentation, for example, by using electronic payment methods and electronically signed and exchanged documents.

Communicating over the phone with workers from other companies, rather than face to face.

If you know a person in your workspace has had coronavirus

You should take extra care when cleaning, and make sure to double up on gloves and wear a face mask and apron.

Disposing of waste:

Waste from possible cases and cleaning of areas where possible cases have been (including disposable cloths and tissues):

Should be put in a plastic rubbish bag and tied when full.

The plastic bag should then be placed in a second bin bag and tied.

It should be put in a suitable and secure place and marked for storage until the individual’s test results are known.

Waste should be stored safely and kept away from children. You should not put your waste in communal waste areas until negative test results are known or the waste has been stored for at least 72 hours.

if the individual tests negative, this can be put in with the normal waste
if the individual tests positive, then store it for at least 72 hours and put in with the normal waste

If storage for at least 72 hours is not appropriate, arrange for collection as a Category B infectious waste either by your local waste collection authority if they currently collect your waste or otherwise by a specialist clinical waste contractor. They will supply you with orange clinical waste bags for you to place your bags into so the waste can be sent for appropriate treatment.

After you have cleaned, create a list of rules

If you want your employees to keep their office space clean and tidy, you should create and implement a set of rules that everyone will need to follow. This will include disposing of all rubbish in the correct bins.

This means separating everything out in the relevant recycling bin. If there is a shared kitchen space, employees need to take responsibility for cleaning any cups, plates, or utensils that they may have used. Food waste should be cleared away and disposed of safely, and bins should be emptied if you find them to be full.

Along with the bins, you should encourage employees to frequently wash hands and also wipe down their workstations at least once a day, but more where possible.

You can find the government’s full guidance for workplace safety here.

Different guidance for different workplaces

While this guidance focuses mostly on an office type working environment, there are other methods employers and employees can use to keep different working environments, such as factories or building sites, safe for workers.

We will be releasing guidance for these working environments in the coming days.

Have any questions? We are here to help!

We are operating as usual, and you can reach us on 020 7928 0276 or email in to info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Or, why not download our free app today? You can launch a new enquiry, scan over documents and much more.

If you have an iPhone, follow this link to download.

If you use an Android phone, follow this link to download.

Find the link here if you need some further instructions on how to use our new app!

lisaslaw@web

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Stuck outside the UK with an expiring passport? – here is what you should do

Getting a British passport is usually not too difficult for nationals of the country, but the coronavirus crisis has complicated the process for many people.

If you are in the UK and need a passport urgently, the bad news is that Premium and Fast Track services are temporarily unavailable due to COVID-19. The good news is, there is a hotline for compassionate matters, for situations such as a relative passing away, or for government business. Numbers are below:

Telephone from inside the UK: 0300 222 0000
From outside the UK: +44 (0)300 222 0000
Textphone: 18001 0300 222 0222

Options for British nationals stuck outside the UK

During the lockdown period many British nationals have been stuck outside the UK, and have been unable to travel back due to flights being grounded. Many of their passports have expired or are due to expire shortly.

Currently, for all British nationals staying overseas, they will have to apply for new passports via their local UK Visa Application Centre. Due to Covid-19, all the visa application centres are closed all over the world. No one will be able to apply for a British passport. If you urgently need to travel to the UK, you can only apply for an emergency travel document.

Eligibility

You can apply for an emergency travel document if all the following apply:

You are a British national
You are outside the UK
Your passport has been lost, stolen, damaged, is full, has recently expired or is with HM Passport Office or a foreign embassy
You do not have time to renew or replace your passport before you travel

What an emergency travel document lets you do

You can use an emergency travel document to travel to your destination through a maximum of 5 countries. You can also normally use it to return to the country you are applying from if you live there.

Your travel plans (countries and dates) will be printed on your emergency travel document. If you change your travel plans once you have your emergency travel document, you will need to apply for a new one.

You may need a visa to leave the country you are in or to travel through other countries with your emergency travel document. Check with the embassy or consulate of each country.

If your final destination is the UK, border staff will keep your emergency travel document when you arrive. Border staff at a different final destination might also keep the document.

How long will it take?

Your passport will normally be ready for collection in two working days, provided that you have provided all the relevant information and documents in your application. However, if that is not the case or in some exceptional circumstances, your application may take much longer.

How to apply

You can apply online here.

It costs £100 to apply for an emergency travel document. The fee is not refundable. You can pay online as part of your application. If you do not, you will be asked to pay over the phone.

You might need to attend an appointment at your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate after you apply online. You’ll be told after you have submitted your application whether you need an appointment.

You will need to give a contact telephone number and email address as part of your application.

We are here to help!

We are open and ready to provide you with expert advice, whether you are trying to get back to the UK from abroad, have another immigration based question or need any other legal advice at all. You can reach us on 020 7928 0276 or email in to info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Or, why not download our free app today? You can launch a new enquiry, scan over documents and much more.

If you have an iPhone, follow this link to download.

If you use an Android phone, follow this link to download.

Find the link here if you need some further instructions on how to use our new app!

lisaslaw@web

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Moving house is possible once again – but how will it work with social distancing rules?

England’s property market will reopen from today with estate agents getting the green light from the government to start operating again.

Conveyancers and removals firms can also start operations again, and buyers and renters will be able to complete purchases and view properties in person. Surveyors are also allowed to enter homes to complete valuations.

After an estimated 450,000 house moves had been stalled since lockdown rules were brought in, this will come as a relief to many who want to find a new home – but how will people be able to get it done safely?

Safety first

Housing Secretary Robert Jenrick said: “I am announcing new guidelines to allow the housing market to resume. Our clear plan will enable people to move home safely, covering each aspect of the sales and letting process from viewings to removals.”

Clearly, those who have tested positive for coronavirus or those who are self-isolating should not move home. They are at a high-risk of transmitting the disease and should avoid all social contact.

Similarly, vulnerable people and those shielding vulnerable people (meaning they have elderly or unwell people in their household) are discouraged from moving home at this time unless absolutely necessary. Where it is not an option to stay put, you should notify the estate agent, moving company and all those who will be involved in the moving process of the situation. Those involved in the process will need to adapt practices and procedures to ensure that the risk of spread of coronavirus is reduced as far as possible.

Main rules and guidelines

Some of the more general overarching guidelines are as followed:

Initial viewings should be done virtually wherever this is possible and property agents should help you to do this.

All physical viewings should be limited to members of the same household and open house viewings should not take place.

Estate agents will wear gloves and face masks.

When physically viewing properties, where possible, you should avoid touching surfaces, wash your hands regularly, and bring your own hand sanitiser. The number of people on a viewing should be minimised to those from your household that absolutely have to be there. If you need to be accompanied by small children, you should try to keep them from touching surfaces and ensure they wash their hands regularly.

If people are being shown around your own home, you should open all internal doors and ensure surfaces, such as door handles, are cleaned after each viewing with standard household cleaning products.

If possible, vacate your home while other people are viewing it.

Anyone involved in any aspect of the home moving process (estate agents, movers etc) should practice social distancing in line with public health advice.

When moving your possessions, try to do as much of the packing away yourself, rather than having others do it. Moving companies, where needed, should be contacted well in advance.

If you are particularly worried about the risk of infection, then speak to the professionals involved, your landlord, estate agent or removers as they may be able to put in place extra measures.

A reminder of social distancing guidelines can be found here.

Preparation to sell or buy

You can begin to market your property, and estate agents are permitted to visit to take pictures or videos.

It is encouraged that potential buyers do the vast majority of their research and viewings online. Estate agents are likely to be operating via online viewings where possible.

Viewings should be conducted by appointment only and no open house viewings should take place.

If you wish to buy a new build property you should make contact with the developer in the usual way. You should be able to view the show home or visit the particular plot you are interested in purchasing, although there will be appointment systems in place.

Agreements and contracts

Once you have agreed to move home by exchanging contracts or signing a tenancy agreement, you have entered into a legal agreement to move. The government is encouraging all parties to be as flexible as possible over this period and be prepared to delay moves if needed, for example if someone becomes ill with coronavirus during the moving process or has to self-isolate. You should not expect to move into any home where people are ill or self-isolating.

Legal advisors should be able to help you to ensure that any contract you enter into has sufficient flexibility to allow the purchase to be delayed in the event that an individual in one of the parties contracts coronavirus or has to self-isolate. Here at Lisa’s Law we will make sure your contract is set-up to allow for maximum flexibility should anything happen in the build-up which would affect your ability to move.

Building new homes

In another move to free up the housing market, the Housing Secretary has announced a series of measures to get the country building homes for the future, including:

Allowing builders to agree more flexible construction site working hours with their local council, such as staggering builders’ arrival times, easing pressure on public transport.
Enabling local councils and developers to publicise planning applications through social media instead of having to rely on posters and leaflets, helping to unblock the service.
Support for smaller developers by allowing them to defer payments to local councils, helping those struggling with their cash flow while ensuring communities still receive funding towards local infrastructure in the longer term.

Stewart Baseley, executive chairman of the Home Builders Federation, said:

“Over the past week or so many housebuilders have commenced a gradual return to work, in a structured way that ensures the safety of its workforce and the general public.

The industry sustains hundreds of thousands of people in numerous roles and associated sectors, boosting local economies across the country. A resumption of work will play a major part in helping the economy recover, as well as delivering the homes the country needs.”

The full guidance from the government on moving home can be found here.

We can help you move!

Here are Lisa’s Law we have a team dedicated to property and conveyancing on hand right now to guide you through the moving process. We can help you buy or sell, and can give expert advice along the way.

We conduct strict social distancing rules to give our clients complete peace of mind, and are always around for a call to answer any questions. You can reach us on 020 7928 0276 or email in to info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Or, why not download our free app today? You can launch a new enquiry, scan over documents and much more.

If you have an iPhone, follow this link to download.

If you use an Android phone, follow this link to download.

Find the link here if you need some further instructions on how to use our new app!

lisaslaw@web

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Coronavirus can be kept outside – but for some the devil lives at home!

This article was written by Shanshan Chen.

Domestic abuse on the rise

It has been 50 days since lockdown started on 23 March 2020 in the UK. Lockdown and quarantine have resulted in a horrifying surge of domestic abuse in countries affected by COVID-19 all over the world. Some experts describe the situation as living in a pressure cooker as not only is there abuse present, but additional pressures such as anxiety, lack of space, lack of social activities, deterioration of mental well-being. This is exacerbating existing problems for many people, making life at home terribly hard to manage.

The UK’s largest domestic abuse charity, Refuge, reported its helpline has seen a consistent increase in demand of 45-50% since the beginning of the COVID-19 lockdown. Lord Chancellor Robert Buckland told MPs that his local refuge had an 80% increase in referrals in one week. Calls to the local helpline increased by nearly 30%.

The Domestic Abuse Bill reached its second reading in parliament on 28 April 2020, which has secured more housing help for victims, with the Government announcing a £76 million fund to support the most vulnerable.

Lisa’s Law are also here to help you get the support you are entitled to.

Lisa’s Law – here to help stop domestic abuse

Clearly, we at Lisa’s Law think domestic abuse has to stop immediately. If you are experiencing domestic abuse, but do not know who to turn to, or are too afraid to ask for help, just remember that you can contact us by phone or online. We can help you now!

Call in for a 30-minute free and confidential consultation now on 020 7928 0276 or online email info@lisaslaw.co.uk and we will readily advise you.

Some abuse goes unnoticed

Domestic abuse has many different forms and can affect both men and women, children and elderly people. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity.

The abuse is defined as any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour. It can be physical, sexual, psychological, financial, and emotional abuse.

Some signs to look out for:

Is your partner jealous and possessive?
Are they charming one minute and abusive the next?
Do they tell you what to wear, where to go, or who to see?
Do they constantly put you down?
Do they play mind games and make you doubt your judgment?
Do they control your money?
Do they pressure you to have sex when you don’t want to?
Are you starting to walk on eggshells to avoid making them angry?
Do they monitor or track your movements or messages?
Do they use anger and intimidation to frighten and control you?

Do not be afraid and remember we are here for you

If you are in an emergency, call 999 immediately and ask for the police. We will help you along the way to get a Domestic Violence Protection Notice or Domestic Violence Protection Order for immediate protection.

You can be granted settlement in the UK if you are the victim of domestic violence. We will guide you on how to obtain evidence and make an application to the Home Office.

Want to leave home for a safe place? We can help you access a refuge place, or make an emergency Homeless Application to your local authority.

Want to stay at home safely? We can help you obtain Injunctions (Non-molestation Order or Occupation Order) from the court to guarantee your safety to live at home.

Received threats from your partner regarding children? We will guide you on how to obtain evidence and make child arrangement orders to the court if necessary.

Want to file for divorce? We have divorce lawyers in place.

You are not the victim but suspect your family member or friend might be? We will let you know how you can use your ‘Right to Ask’ under ‘Clare’s Law’ by asking the police to make enquiries into the partner of a close friend or family member.

We are here to help!

We are operating as usual, and you can reach us on 020 7928 0276 or email in to info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Or, why not download our free app today? You can launch a new enquiry, scan over documents and much more.

If you have an iPhone, follow this link to download.

If you use an Android phone, follow this link to download.

Find the link here if you need some further instructions on how to use our new app!

lisaslaw@web

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Too many detainees granted bail? Judges and Home Office failing to see eye to eye.

In what appears to be a heated debate, a senior judge has rebuked claims from the Home Office about the level of bail being granted to detained migrants recently, saying that the independent judiciary deal with such cases based on the law and nothing else.

The Home Office is supposed to detain only those it can deport imminently, which has been virtually impossible recently due to flights being grounded because of the coronavirus outbreak.

In a letter to the president of the Tribunal, Immigration and Asylum Chamber dated 29 April 2020, the Home Office’s head of appeals, James Stevens, wrote: “The numbers of those in detention have reduced very significantly since the start of this emergency.” He followed this up by saying: “The Home Office is somewhat surprised at the level of grants of bail in recent weeks.”

Official figures record 1,225 people in detention centres on 1 January and 368 at the latest count – a reduction of almost three-quarters.

Stevens asked if immigration judges would be able to, in future, provide written reasons as to why detainees are being granted bail. This comment did not sit well with senior judge Michael Clements, who responded that written reasons are unnecessary.

Clements said of written reasons: ‘This is not a helpful practice. These only repeat the law with which the judge is already familiar, add little of substance and do not seek to address the specific circumstances of the application.’

We feel during these extremely tough times, it should be the health and safety of all people that should be the main concern of the Home Office. Whenever possible, detainees should be released from the detention centres to minimise any risk of Covid-19 infection, instead of continuing to be detained.

We are open!

We are operating as usual, and you can reach us on 020 7928 0276 or email in to info@lisaslaw.co.uk.

Or, why not download our free app today? You can launch a new enquiry, scan over documents and much more.

If you have an iPhone, follow this link to download.

If you use an Android phone, follow this link to download.

Find the link here if you need some further instructions on how to use our new app!

lisaslaw@web

See Full Bio

News and Insights

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Safety first

Main rules and guidelines

Preparation to sell or buy

Agreements and contracts

Building new homes

We can help you move!

Domestic abuse on the rise

Lisa’s Law – here to help stop domestic abuse

Some abuse goes unnoticed

Do not be afraid and remember we are here for you

We are here to help!

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