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We want to continue to keep our clients up to date. Following the recent Government announcement regarding a second lockdown as of Thursday 5 November 2020, it has been confirmed that the housing market will remain open throughout this period.
We will be open for business as usual and fully compliant with COVID guidelines.
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We want to continue to keep our clients up to date with safety measures that are in place throughout the company.
In relation to viewings, initially a virtual viewing needs to be available online and if further interest is shown in the property, a viewing in person can go ahead, subject to strict protocols. Health and safety forms will need to be completed before an appointment by every client to ensure specific COVID-19 related questions are being asked and subject to sufficient answers, an appointment can take place.
On face to face appointments, clients and staff MUST wear a suitable face covering.
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Landlords are now legally required to give tenants six months’ notice to vacate under a Section 21 notice. The tenants notice period remains unchanged, at one months to the landlord.
This is not backdated so any notice issued prior to this date will remain.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
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The Government have passed The Electrical Safety Standards in the Private Rented Sector (England) Regulations 2020.
Landlords and agents will need to ensure electrical installation inspections and testing are carried out for all new tenancies in England from 1 July 2020 or from 1 April 2021 for existing tenancies.
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Following on from the guidance given to the property sector for safely starting up again, we wanted to update you further.
In relation to viewings, you may or may not be aware that initially a virtual viewing needs to be available to clients online and if further interest is shown, a viewing in person can go ahead, subject to strict protocols. Health and safety forms need to be completed before a viewing by a client to ensure specific COVID-19 related questions are being asked and subject to sufficient answers, a viewing can take place.
With valuations, the same forms needs to be completed and then we can attend the property to value with social distancing rules in place.
If you want to enter your local branch an appointment will need to be made and you must continue to following social distancing guidelines. Full teams wont be in every office straight away as we work to make each office function as safe as possible.
We note the viewing and valuation guidance below for your reference;
Terms of Viewing – For Vendors and Applicants
In accordance with Government guidelines:
People should use virtual viewings before visiting properties in person where possible, in order to minimise public health risks. If any member of either the household being viewed, or the household undertaking a viewing is showing symptoms of coronavirus or is self-isolating, then a physical viewing should be delayed. All viewings should take place by appointment and only involve members of a single household.
All applicants and vendors/occupants MUST complete a satisfactory Coronavirus Health Assessment prior to arranging an in-person property viewing or valuation.
• We encourage people to do their property searching online wherever possible. Initial viewings should be done virtually wherever this is possible and physical viewings should only be conducted where buyers are seriously considering making an offer on a property. This will help reduce the number of properties people need to visit before finding their future home.
• Viewings should be conducted by appointment only and no open house viewings should take place.
• Agents should not drive clients to appointments.
• If your property is being viewed, you should open all the internal doors prior to the viewing.
• Upon entry and exit of the property, the agent and viewers MUST either wash their hands or use an appropriate hand sanitiser. All our agents will carry hand sanitiser with them.
• As this is classed as a confined space, we strongly recommend all parties wear an appropriate face covering.
• Agents will ask you to restrict the number of people who accompany you on a viewing so that social distancing can be practised, and only those in your immediate household will be allowed to access the property. We ask that no more than two adults attend the viewing and no children are permitted.
• As most people choose to do, we encourage that you vacate your property whilst viewings are taking place in order to minimise your contact with those not in your household.
• We expect agents to accompany clients on a viewing but follow social distancing rules wherever possible. Where viewings are unaccompanied, agents should make sure viewers and homeowners understand how they should conduct themselves following these guidelines.
• Once the viewing has taken place, the homeowner/occupant should ensure surfaces, such as door handles, are appropriately sanitised.
• Agents should ensure that any keys are appropriately cleaned before handover.
Valuations - In accordance with Government guidelines:
All vendors/occupants MUST complete a satisfactory Coronavirus Health Assessment prior to arranging an in-person valuation.
• If your property is being viewed, you should open all the internal doors prior to the viewing.
• Upon entry and exit of the property, the agent MUST either wash their hands or use an appropriate hand sanitiser. All our agents will carry hand sanitiser with them.
• As this is classed as a confined space, our staff member will wear an appropriate face covering. We ask that vendors/occupants wait outside the property to maintain social distancing and minimise your contact with those residing in the property.
• The agent will attempt to not touch any surfaces or door handles in the property but even then, once the valuation has taken place, the homeowner/occupant should ensure surfaces, such as door handles, are appropriately sanitised.
• Agents should ensure that any keys are appropriately cleaned before handover, should they have been used for access.
These terms are deemed accepted on completion of the Coronavirus Health Assessment form.
01278 454500
sales@expertagent.co.uk