Covid-19
Covid 19 Viewing & Market Appraisal Guidance for Vendors & Applicants
These guidance notes have been prepared in accordance with the Government guidance issued on 13th May 2020.
Viewings
We will offer virtual viewings using virtual tours initially however we appreciate this isn’t always appropriate and so below are some guidance notes to explain how we conduct the physical viewings:
- If a viewing is requested and agreed to by the vendor, we will ask both the vendor and viewers to complete a health assessment form. We also ask that you notify us if anything changes between the time the appointment is booked and the appointment takes place.
- The maximum number of viewers at any one appointment will be two and they should both be from the same household.
- Please remain in your car until the agent or vendor indicates that it is okay for you to enter the property.
- If an agent is accompanying, the guidance states the owner should leave the property where possible whilst the viewing takes place. If this is not possible the 2m distance will need to be observed at all times.
- The vendor should open all internal doors to allow easy access and to limit contact.
- The 2m distance should be maintained at all times, we ask that you wear disposable gloves and a face covering if you feel it is required. You will need to provide your own PPE.
- We request that you do not touch any surfaces in the property.
- Paper documents will be avoided where possible.
- Please avoid handshakes and other physical contact.
- We request that all negotiations and questions are undertaken by phone or email after the viewing.
- Please dispose of any PPE responsibly after the appointment.
Market Appraisals
We will offer virtual market appraisals using video call methods initially however we appreciate this isn’t always appropriate and so below are some guidance notes to explain how we will conduct the market appraisal:
- If a physical market appraisal appointment is requested, we will ask you to complete a health questionnaire. We also ask that you notify us if anything changes between the time the appointment is booked and the appointment takes place.
- Please arrange for all internal doors to be open to allow easy access for the agent and to help limit contact with surfaces.
- The agent will avoid physical contact and handshakes.
- The agent will wear disposable gloves, a face covering if they feel appropriate and they will maintain the 2m distance at all times.
- Any equipment the agent uses will be wiped before and after use.
- Whilst the agent will have to limit their time in the property, they will be available to discuss the valuation in more detail before and/or after the appointment.
Covid 19 Survey and Site Visit Guidance for Clients
These guidance notes have been prepared in accordance with the Government guidance issued on 13th May 2020.
- We will ask you to complete a health assessment form. We also ask that you notify us if anything changes between the time the appointment is booked and the appointment takes place.
- We will minimise the physical meeting time but we will be available for more detailed discussions via telephone, video call or email before and after the visit.
- If you occupy the property please ensure all internal doors are open to allow easy access and limit contact with surfaces.
- We will ask you to vacate the property whilst the visit takes place, where this is not possible, we will ask that you maintain a two-metre distance.
- We will avoid handshakes and other physical contact.
- We will wear disposable gloves, a face covering if we feel appropriate and we will maintain a two-metre distance at all times.
- Any equipment we use will be wiped before and after use.
- Paper documents will be avoided where possible.
Covid-19 Information For Current Tenants
In light of recent guidance with regards to the Covid-19 outbreak, we are writing to inform you of the steps that we are taking in order to tackle the spread of the virus, whilst also reassuring you about what steps to undertake in certain situations.
This is an unsettling time and keeping communication flowing is key. The situation is being monitored continually, and our business continues to run as effectively as possible. We will inform you of any necessary updates should we be affected. We are doing everything we can to minimise the risks, whilst enabling us to carry on looking after you and your home.
Routine Visits
For the areas with restrictions, these will not be going ahead for the foreseeable future, we will get in touch when we are able to start doing this once again.
What should I do if I am due to move into or out of a property?
This will continue as normal.
I am currently self isolating, what do I need to do?
Contact us with the details of when you started to self isolate so we update our records accordingly.
I have some maintenance issues which need looking at?
You must report these through https://djpnewlandrennie.fixflo.com/Auth/HomeIssueCreate
We have procedures in place to act as quickly as possible with all essential and non essential repairs during this time. Due to the current situation, we need to remind you of what we would class as an emergency;
- Roof leak that will cause detrimental damage to the property or a leak that you cannot stop after turning off the stop cock
- No heating
- No hot water
- You are locked out of your property
- Gas leak
If you have a gas leak, leave the house and phone the National Gas Emergencies number immediately on 0800 111 999.
- Turn off the gas emergency control valve (also called gas emergency shut off valve) at the meter, unless the meter is located in a basement or cellar or at the LPG bulk tank or storage vessels. Turn off your gas supply, if you feel you can do this safely. The gas mains tap should be beside your gas meter. Move the handle a quarter turn until it's at 90 degrees from the pipe to shut off the gas supply.
- Extinguish all naked flames and don’t smoke.
- Don’t operate electrical switches (including turning light switches on or off) because this can ignite escaping gas.
- Get fresh air immediately; make sure you open all doors and windows to ventilate the area.
- Call the National Gas Emergencies number immediately on 0800 111 999 and wait for them to attend.
We appreciate that some of you may be vulnerable and need to self isolate and we will help as much as we can; contact us if you need any help and we will do our best to assist if at all possible.
If you have any queries, with regards to the above, or you feel you need further information, do get in touch.