Do I need to pay rent during COVID-19?

Can the Government stop landlords from demanding rent?

Can I be evicted during COVID-19 or the State of Emergency?

Do I need to tell my landlord that I've tested positive for COVID-19?

Can my landlord demand that I or my family take a COVID-19 vaccine?

What do I do if I can't pay my mortgage?

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Q: Do I need to pay rent during COVID-19?

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A: Unless your landlord has given you a bligh on rent, the answer is yes. You do need to pay your rent, COVID-19 or no COVID-19. Some landlords may be generous enough to reduce rent or accept rent for a shorter period, but this is up to them. If you don't pay rent, you are at risk of losing your home by being evicted.

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Q: Can the Government stop landlords from demanding rent?

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A: In the majority of cases, no. Not unless it is a state body which is renting the property. The Government cannot simply interfere in private arrangements such as the rental of private property. This would risk interference with constitutionally guaranteed rights and, at minimum, any law which tried to do this would require a vote from Parliament carrying a special three-fifths' majority.

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The Government through its various Ministries has also implemented various forms of rental support. You can read more about the availability of rental support here and the Salary Relief Grant here. These are limited for certain periods and may no longer apply.

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Q: Can I be evicted during COVID-19 or the State of Emergency?

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A: COVID-19 has been extremely difficult financially for many people. Unlike several countries, however, our Government has not introduced a ban on evictions, and has instead left this issue to the discretion of the landlords. This is not to say that they could have introduced an indefinite ban – these bans only lasted for a couple of months abroad. This means that, yes, you can be evicted if your rent isn’t paid.  

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Q: Do I need to tell my landlord that I've tested positive for COVID-19?

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A: There is currently no obligation to inform your landlord that you have tested positive for COVID-19. The existing requirements are under the Public Health Ordinance and only require reporting of the positive result to the Ministry of Health. However, if your neighbours or others were exposed, to contain the spread, the responsible thing to do would be to inform them. Otherwise, the contract tracing will be performed by the County Medical Officer of Health.

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Q: Can my landlord demand that I or my family take a COVID-19 vaccine?

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A: No. As of the time of writing, vaccinations are voluntary. However, remember that landlords may terminate the tenancy and, since it's their property, are not required to give you a reason. All that is required is that the landlord give you a period of notice before you are required to leave (if required by the lease) (known as a 'notice to quit' but you may also know it as an 'eviction notice'). The length of the notice required varies and is depends on the length of the term of the rental agreement.

 

Q: What do I do if I can't pay my mortgage?

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A: Mortgages are serious business and more so if you're behind on payments. This is an issue you need to confront right away. Some banks may allow for deferrals or may work with you to try to meet a minimum payment instead of that agreed. Either way, you should speak with your loans offer as soon as possible to address the issue head on. Don't fall behind on your payments. If you do, your bank or credit union may be entitled to take from you the property or asset which was used to secure the or mortgage.

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Last updated: 31 July 2022.