Covid Policy: May 2021

News at Howard Independent Estate Agents | 18/05/2021

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has updated its guidance document setting out general advice and information for the housing industry and those moving home.

The Government website provides useful guidance for owner-occupiers or tenants moving home during this time which can be found here

At Howard, our premises at 203 Whiteladies Road are open during usual business hours and we have measures in place to keep all staff and visitors safe. Some of our team are still working from home.

Although we have modified our practices when it comes to viewings and property inspections throughout the pandemic, these are still currently going ahead within Covid guidelines. We remind anyone who has had symptoms or any contact with an affected person, to make the team aware when appointments are arranged.

The safety of our staff, clients and contractors is of paramount importance to us. Please be aware that we have implemented the following measures:

We are asking clients and visitors whether they are showing symptoms or have been asked to self-isolate, or whether they have returned to the UK from one of the countries not on the exception list, before going ahead with any viewing, or visits to our office.
All visitors to our office will be asked to wear a face covering. We will wear face coverings while in close face-to-face contact with visitors and where other protective measures are unlikely to be in place, such as in clients’ homes during a viewing.
We have ensured our office is ‘Covid secure’ and have taken appropriate measures to prevent the spread of the disease, to include hand sanitiser stations, social distancing, regular cleaning, and limiting the number of people allowed in the office at any one time.
We are strongly encouraging clients to view properties virtually in the first instance and then only physically inspect properties which they have a strong interest in.
We are making sure that both buyers and sellers clearly understand how viewings and appointments should be conducted safely.
When driving clients to view properties, we are advising clients to follow the latest guidance on travelling safely with others including the use of a face covering. We will be cleaning our vehicles regularly.
We advise that all parties viewing a property should wash their hands with soap and water (or hand sanitiser if not available) immediately after entering the properties, with internal doors opened and surfaces having been wiped down before they enter.
We are doing what we can to promote flexibility when arranging move dates, in order to manage the timing risks presented by coronavirus.
We are ensuring that any keys are appropriately cleaned before handover.
We are asking clients whether they have returned to the UK from one of the countries not on the exception list. If clients have returned from a country on the quarantine list, we can continue to progress their home move virtually until the quarantine period is over.

Guidance to Viewers: Viewing a property safely

The following applies to anyone viewing a property with us:

Face coverings must be worn when viewing a property, unless proof of exemption is provided)
Although the number of people who can attend a viewing can now increase we would ask that numbers are kept to a minimum. The formal guidance is that agents can allow viewings with people from up to two households present (not including the agent)

If they are not from two households, the maximum people allowed to a viewing is six.
Respect social distancing
Allow time to ensure cleaning between viewings
Wait at a distance from the property until asked to enter
Please do not touch surfaces

For landlords and tenants, we also recommend this useful guide The Ministry of Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) ‘Covid-19 guidance for landlords and tenants. This guide answers any questions you may have regarding rent, notices, proceedings, and property maintenance, in line with the Coronavirus 2020 Act.

We are always happy to answer any questions relating to Coronavirus and how it affects your property sale or purchase, your tenancy, any worries about rent, or queries regarding the letting and management of your property. Our team can be contacted on 0117 9238238 or by email at hello@howard-homes.co.uk