How We’re Keeping Landlords and Tenants Safe
With high levels of activity expected on the return to the lettings market in Ceredigion, we are putting in extra hygiene and social distancing measures for when we are eased out of lockdown. Some things will change, some things will stay the same.
Last week, lettings agents were given the go-ahead to return to work as part of the English Government's strategy to ease the country out of lockdown gradually. While this is good news for our industry, it does not mean that it is business as usual for the property market. Letting agents in Wales are still in lockdown, and until we are told otherwise by our government we shall continue working hard from home to help.
So what will change and what will stay the same?
In preparation for the wave of high activity in the letting market we are putting plans in place to keep our landlords, tenants and staff all safe.
In terms of what has stayed the same, here at Alexanders we are as committed as ever to delivering the very best service and advice to our landlords and tenants. In terms of what has changed is that we are adapting the way we work so that we can get back to doing what we do best.
Planning ahead
PPE and SD - Personal Protective Equipment and Social Distancing, things we had never heard of at the start of the year, yet now it is an essential part of our day to day. We have masks that have been specially created for us by Nia from Lwli Mabi. Our offices are in the process of being moved around to meet the 2m distance rules and also stickers and shields are on their way so that we can still do our day to day protected.
Viewings
We are encouraging clients to continue their property searching online. Initial viewings will be done virtually whenever possible and physical viewings will only be conducted where tenants are seriously considering to rent the property.
Landlords - physical viewings will be conducted too if you are seriously considering purchasing another property to let out.
When viewing a property, everyone should wash their hands and avoid touching surfaces where possible. Us as 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 should be there. If people are being shown around a property, the person conducting the viewing will open all internal doors and ensure surfaces, such as door handles, are cleaned after each viewing with standard household cleaning products.
Flexibility for everyone's safety
We encourage everyone to be flexible as possible over this period and be prepared to delay moves, for example if someone becomes ill with coronavirus during the moving process or has to self-isolate. It may also become necessary to pause all home moves for a short period of time to manage the spread of the coronavirus. We will let you know if this has to happen. The most important thing is communication, we will keep everyone up to date and keep communicating with each other.
These new guidelines are a lot for landlords to take on board alongside the existing rules and regulations on deposits, gas safety and inspections. But for as long as this pandemic lasts, they are crucial if we’re going to keep all parties safe.
If as a landlord you feel you need support to meet your obligations or have any questions, contact us we are able to help with any questions you may have.
We are anticipating a flurry of activity in the next few months when lockdown is lifted. We already have lists in place of people waiting to view properties.
Things shall change but the one thing you can count on is that we are determined to meet whatever challenges come out way with a positive and safety first attitude!
Take care,
The Alexanders Team.