How to make rented homes fit for working in during the COVID-19 lockdown
It will be almost one year this March 2021 starting from March 2020 since the first lockdown was initiated as a result of COVID-19 disaster and adversity. During this time, some people including renters are working from home as part of the lockdown requirements and request by their employers. What seems to be a temporary situation of a couple of months has become a medium-term solution to new normal working habits.
In these circumstances, homes whether rented or not where tenants are working from (because of the coronavirus and lockdown restrictions) could be adapted for work. It is much easier to adapt a home for work if you are the owner of this home than if you are a tenant as you may need a permission from your landlord/lady to do certain things. This is why we are holding this week’s activity with landlords/ladies and tenants to explore ways of doing it without upsetting any of the parties who may be involved in this adaptation.
The purpose of this week’s e-work
We will be e-working with landlords/ladies and tenants on how to make homes adaptable for work. This e-work with them will be carry out with the assumption that many of rented properties are not designed for such purpose. Some types of work may not be suitable to be carried out within a rented property.
Under the special circumstances of COVID-19 crisis, landlords/ladies can re-organise their properties to make them fit for work. They can make their property fit for home-working by tenants who pay them rent but who do not have any other alternative means except to work from home (because of the COVID-19 and national lockdown restrictions).
What we will be dealing with this week
As part of this week’s e-work, we will be looking at the following:
√ What are the types of work that may be suitable or unsuitable to be carried out in a rented property?
√ What are the minor alterations or changes that landlords/ladies can do inside their property in order to make it fit for home-working purpose? This is bearing in mind that any major alterations of the property or change of use of the property would be subject to a planning permission from the local authority.
√ Where does the law sit on this matter?
√ How to create space for home-working tenants without touching fixtures and fittings, and without affecting the use of property which is primarily a residential home not a home for work?
√ Under which circumstances tenants can work from their rented home without affecting the integrity of their tenancy and the feature of the property primarily designed as a property-to-live in not to work in?
√ How to manage tenancy relationships between landlords/ladies and tenants when tenants are working from their rented home because of the current health crisis
√ How to reduce conflicts or tensions in a landlord/lady resident property setting when a tenant is working from their room or bedsit or studio flat
√ Should the rent be increased or decreased or stayed the same because the tenant is working from their rented home because of the COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions?
The above are the questions and issues we will try to explore answers with landlords/ladies and renters this week.
Additionally, we shall provide any relevant resources (both online and print) to complete the e-working session of the week.
Need to find out what to do when tenants are working from their rented home, please e-work with Home Relief.
If you are looking for an affordable location and home, Home Relief is the people dealing with affordable homes you could consider in your property searches and enquiries.
Our campaign for happiness in 2021 continues this week by looking at what can make landlords/ladies happy in 2021.
In 2020, we had many COVID-19 related situations that made landlords/ladies unhappy. Because of the restrictions and rules relating to COVID-19 and lockdown, we had for example the following situations:
• Landlords/ladies could not rent their properties as they wish
• Landlords/ladies could not maintain or refurbish their properties the way they wanted
• Landlords/ladies could not easily sell or regain possession of their properties.
One would have thought in 2021, these situations will disappear. With the rebound of COVID-19 and a new national lockdown, they could still experience the same situation. Like any body else, landlords/ladies need some happiness in 2021. But, what can make them happy?
Happiness for landlords/ladies could mean a variety of things. In the context of this campaign, we have identified six areas we think that can bring happiness to them. They are as follows:
(1) Rental income
Not losing income from rental payments from tenants and or rental valuation can keep landlords/ladies happy from the property lettings and management perspective.
(2) Property maintenance
Landlords/ladies would also be happy if their tenants are well looking after their property by keeping it in a good healthy and safe condition.
(3) Support
At this challenging time of the new COVID-19 variant and second lockdown, landlords/ladies would be more than happier if they can count on their letting or managing agents or someone else should they need any help.
(4) Generous treatment
Given what is happening with the economy as a result of the COVID-19 and lockdowns, it could be cost-effective for landlords/ladies like any investor to be entitled to some sort of reduced fees or staggered payments for any letting and/or management services they may seek.
(5) Freedom
No matter the economic circumstances we are in, landlords/ladies should be free to let their property to the kind of tenants or renters they want.
(6) Confidence
Happy landlords/ladies will have trusted or confident relationships with their tenants and those working for their property.
The above indicators of happiness are not the only that can be useful for landlords/ladies. They could be more. What is important is that they give some indication on what can bring happiness for landlords/ladies as far as property letting and management are concerned.
For those landlords/ladies who would like to dip into them with us or who have any query, please do not hesitate to contact Home Relief.
For those landlords/ladies who are looking for happiness as far as property letting and management are concerned, they can work with Home Relief so that we could together find ways of bringing happiness into their current or future property investment.
If you are looking for an affordable location and home, Home Relief is the people dealing with affordable homes you could consider in your property searches and enquiries.
Welcome back to all our property supporters, followers, blog readers and web visitors. We hope that you had a relaxing festive break and wish you Happy New Year again!
After careful consideration of the issues that renters faced in 2020 and of those highlighted in our 2020 Review, we would like to start 2021 property campaign with the theme of happiness and joy for renters.
Making Renters Happy in 2021
The letting and rental stories of 2020 were all about COVID-19 outbreak and its ramifications in the economy, particularly but not exclusively in the housing economy. 2021 could be of a different story, of a story of happiness for renters while still fighting the coronavirus effects and managing the current lockdown.
Experiencing lockdowns twice could make renters unhappy. Yet, it is a general and global situation. 2021 could be the year of no one is left behind whether they are private or social renters in the rental ladder and market. There are little things that can be done to recreate happiness and joy for renters in 2021.
What are those contributors to renters’ happiness in 2021?
These few contributors to renters’ happiness could include the following:
(1) Renters’ money
Making renters happy could mean ensuring that renters do not lose their deposit without sound reasons while receiving rental service that is value for the rent they pay.
It could also mean providing them leads on funding information covering items such as: deposit schemes, rent shortfall, insurance cover for low income renters, etc.
(2) Healthy property
Maintaining a rented property that is healthy, safe and COVID-19 secure can contribute to renters’ happiness and joy.
(3) Support
Renters can count on Home Relief, their landlords/ladies and the rental sector in times of crisis like of the COVID-19 outbreak and surge in terms of advice and guidance in what to do to stay healthy and safe.
For example: supporting the improvement of renters’ knowledge and skills in the area of property rental can bring happiness in the way they understand rental literature, as well as supporting their social mobility so that they can change their status from low to medium and high income earners to avoid rent payment issues.
(4) Kindness and consideration
Removing any non-essential costs to the service provided to renters at this challenging time of COVID-19 could bring some happiness and send a message of kindness and consideration to renters.
For example: when recycling items as a landlord/lady, you could alternatively think of your rented property if these items could be used in your rented property.
(5) Freedom
Renters should always have the freedom to stay where they want to live without forcing them to stay in the property because it is convenient for the landlord/lady or their letting/managing agents.
For example: providing easily available and accessible information about renters’ rights and obligations can reinforce this freedom while helping them to understand legal terms and jargon.
(6) Creditworthiness
Keeping a trusted relationship between renters and Home Relief, between renters and their landlords/ladies can boost their confidence and happiness.
All the above contributors to renters’ happiness could be designed to make renters happy. One could make assumption that the more they are happier, the more they become self-confident and can meet their rental requirements.
So, Making Renters Happy in 2021 is what we have on the menu for this week to start off 2021 rental campaign.
For those renters who have any issue about happy relationships with their landlord/lady in their rented property, they are free to contact Home Relief to discuss this matter.
For those renters who are looking for happiness as far as property rental is concerned, they can work with Home Relief so that we could together find ways of bringing happiness into their current or future tenancy.
For those who want just to go in depth about how to be a happy renter in 2021, they are as well welcome to work with Home Relief should they wish to do so.
If you are looking for an affordable location and home, Home Relief is the people dealing with affordable homes you could consider in your property searches and enquiries.
How the year 2020 has been for Home Relief, Landlords/ladies, Home Buyers and Renters
The current post is the last and 50th of 2020. It is a step back that looks at what has happened in 2020 before entering the New Year.
In order to review the year 2020, we have selected and listed 21 property themes and campaigns that shaped Home Relief’s work with followers and supporters during the year 2020. The selected themes and campaigns are either related to coronavirus or lockdown or tier system of restrictions.
This selection is based on the fact that the coronavirus has been the dominant factor in the housing market this year and its ramifications are still felt in the letting and rental sector. As we report on Home Relief, the non-essential retail is close in tier four of COVID-19 system of restrictions.
During this challenging pandemic year, we have engaged landlords/ladies, home buyers and renters with support and advice in order for them to turn around the adverse effects of the COVID-19 shock to their gains. Some of them succeeded while others are still struggling in dealing with the COVID-19 and lockdown effects.
The 21 property themes and campaigns making our 2020 year-in-review recap include:
1) Coronavirus, Lettings and Rentals
2) Coronavirus, Creativity and Adaptable Homes
3) Coronavirus and Residential Property Management
4) Coronavirus and Essential Private Property Rental Maintenance
5) Engaging Landlords/ladies and Renters during the Coronavirus Crisis
6) Coronavirus-led Vacant Properties
7) COVID-19 and Private Landlords/ladies Property Portfolio
14) Property Checks & Inventories in the Era of COVID-19
15) The Second Lockdown
16) Coronavirus, Lockdown, Creativity and Adaptable Homes
17) Residential Private Property Management and the Second Lockdown
18) Coronavirus, Lockdown and Essential Property Maintenance
19) Property Lettings and Rentals in the context of Three-tiered System of Restrictions
20) Private Residential Property Lettings in the Three-tiered System of Restrictions
21) Private Residential Property Rentals in the Three-tiered System of Restrictions
If you are a Home Relief’s blog reader or follower, you will remember these themes or campaigns. Otherwise, you can still contact Home Relief for any details regarding them and/or the full story of the year 2020.
Most of the points developed in these themes and campaigns are the reflection about concern and problems expressed by landlords/ladies, home buyers and renters regarding COVID-19 and its ramifications in the letting and rental sector. As a result of their expression, we developed the above themes and campaigns to mitigate these problems and help them protect their investments and have a peace of mind.
With all the best wishes of happy ending year 2020 and of promising year 2021!
We thank you for your clientele over 2020 and hope we will renew your loyalty and support in the New Year.
With best wishes of the season!
If you are looking for an affordable location and home, Home Relief is the people dealing with affordable homes you could consider in your property searches and enquiries.
Property Services during the Festive Break and the new tier four of COVID-19 restrictions
We have the following messages for the festive period.
• Queries and Enquiries
During the Festive holidays and the time of restrictions relating to new COVID variant, we will only handle online queries and enquiries.
Most of our property services are scaled down around this period until the New Year. This scaling down is even pronounced now since the London economy has entered a new tier four level of COVID-19 restrictions. People should expect delay from us in returning their calls or e-mails or even texts.
• Opening days and times
Following the new tier four of COVID-19 restrictions, we are only open online 24 hours and 7 days a week.
• Home seeking applications
Home seeking applicants should be aware that non-essential activities are closed in London.
For those looking for homes to rent, please do not hesitate to text or email Home Relief your home seeking applications. We are aware that not everybody has got a home to live this festive time and at this challenging time of the new COVID-19 restrictions. If you are one of them and looking for accommodation, do not hesitate to contact Home Relief.
• Letting instructions
Landlords/ladies and home owners who would like to instruct us over this festive time, please do not hesitate to text or email Home Relief your intentions to instruct. However, you should be aware that the non-essential retail is closed in London at the moment. We shall add your property details to our property-to-let book. We will proceed to lettings when the situation returns to normal.
Likewise, landlords/ladies and home owners who would like to recommend Home Relief to their friends and families for letting instructions this festive time, they can do so. Home Relief would be pleased to take their instructions and proceed further.
• Home-buying advice
As mentioned above, our advice service to home buyers is as well scaled down this time of the year. Those who are looking to buy a home in the New Year, they can still text or email the areas of home buying process they would like to seek advice. Depending on the matter and individual case, we shall get back to them as soon as we can. Potential home buyers should as well be informed that the non-essential part of the London economy is closed until further notice.
• Maintenance over the festive break
If you have any maintenance problems, please do not hesitate to contact us. However, we would like to stress to you that most of our maintenance service providers are already on holidays. Only a few of them will be available. Also, due to the new tier four of COVID-19 restrictions; it is better to check first with us about the kinds of maintenance eligible or permissible within the context of new COVID variant restrictions.
In case of emergency or exceptional circumstances, please do not hesitate to text or phone or e-mail us; we will respond to your message as soon as we can.
We would like to apologize for any inconvenience or upset this may cause and hope everything will return to normal in the New Year.
We thank you for your clientele over 2020 and wish you a Very Happy, Healthy and Safe Festive season!
If you are looking for an affordable location and home, Home Relief is the people dealing with affordable homes you could consider in your property searches and enquiries.
How to proceed with your home rental plans under the three-tier system of restrictions
Home Relief will be discussing with renters about their moving in and out plans under the three-tier system of restrictions. The system has some effects on the way renters would like to rent a home, especially for those who may not be aware how this system is or will affect their rental interest and plans.
Home Relief will be working with them on how to proceed with their rental plans under the constraint of Covid-19 and the current system of restrictions.
What the discussion will consider
This discussion will be dealing with a number of points such as:
√ Understanding on how the rental industry is operating under the three-tier system of restrictions and anti-coronavirus measures
√ What to do and what not to do as renters, as far as home moving in and out is concerned
√ How to adapt to new ways of working in the rental sector (e.g. virtual viewings, disinfection or cleaning of property before and after viewings)
√ How to prepare themselves as prospective tenants and restart renting within the boundaries of anti-coronavirus rules
√ New areas of safety and protection to have in mind in the new era of Covid-19
√ Understanding and maintenance of the socially distanced rules within the rental sector (e.g. to keep 2 meters apart during property viewings; staggered viewings, etc.)
√ (For those who want to move) Help them progress their plans to move in the context of three-tier system of restrictions
The discussion will enable those who want to rent to have the opportunity to discuss their plans in more details and register their rental needs.
What’s more?
One can hope that after the discussion renters will be …
√ Better aware about the COVID-19 restrictions regarding the tier in which they would like to rent
√ Well informed about moving home under the tree-tiered system of restrictions
√ Effectively equipped with tools to adapt to the new changing rental environment
√ Competently prepared to deal with coronavirus measures in the context of home rental
√ In a position to advantageously follow any rental changes relating to their personal situation and to COVID-19 safety and protection
√ Able to improve their application of social distancing rules on rental situation while better maintaining their rented property
√ Getting ready to reduce the level of uncertainty and risk that can be associated with their rental plans and projects
The above are just some of the few expected outcomes or effects from the work with renters. There could be more that can come out the discussion. The rest will depend on the expectation they have for such a discussion.
Need to rent under the three-tier system of restrictions, please work with Home Relief.
If you are looking for an affordable location and home, Home Relief is the people dealing with affordable homes you could consider in your property searches and enquiries.
How to restart lettings or reinstruct Home Relief in the Context of Three-tier System of Restrictions
This week, we will be working with landlords/ladies who are contemplating to let their properties, but do not know on which basis they can restart or continue since the coronavirus pandemic is still constraining the economy and the lettings business.
This week’s work will be about exploring with them their property letting needs, requirements and expectations under the restrictions of three-tier system. In doing so, it is hoped the work will come up with some sort of a customised support or recipe for them concerning private residential property lettings in a three-tier system of restrictions against the coronavirus pandemic.
Areas covered by this week’s working together activity
The week’s working together activity will cover areas such as the following:
√ Covid-19 measures and restrictions in the context of three-tier system and how a landlord/lady can restart lettings or reinstruct Home Relief with respect to the tier in which their property is in
√ Lettings plan and process under the circumstances of an economy and sector restricted by the three-tier system relating to the coronavirus pandemic
√ Lettings plan and process under the circumstances of an economy in a potential threat of future lockdowns
√ Lettings preparedness to be ready when the COVID-19 immunisation becomes effective with the incoming vaccine
√ Property maintenance within the three-tier framework of restrictions on protection against the coronavirus pandemic
√ Property disinfection, decontamination and cleaning to get rid of the strains and traces of Covid-19
√ Alternative to physical aspects of lettings (e.g. virtual or online viewings versus in-person viewings) and their effectiveness in relation to landlords’/ladies’ letting interests
√ Online rental payments and cover
√ Update on available resources and guidance (print and online materials) about the coronavirus pandemic from the letting industry (e.g. self-care, health, security, post/mail, property and items cleaning, etc.)
How this week’s working together activity will help landlords/ladies
Compared to the existing resources available on the market, one could hope that the week’s working together activity will help …
√ To boost landlords/ladies confidence for instructing or lettings while improving their understanding of extra health and safety provision in the context of lettings in the time of Covid-19 three-tier system of restrictions
√ To protect landlords/ladies from misinformation or lack of appropriate information regarding private residential property letting and management under the Covid-19 three-tier system of restrictions
√ To safeguard landlords/ladies’ interests and investment while saving money from any potential risks due to mishandling of COVID-19 shock waves
√ To avoid trouble tenancies and misunderstanding throughout this time of COVID-19 three-tier system of restrictions
√ To reduce exposure to Covid-19 risk and associated risks of the moment
√ To make manageable the complex and technical information relating to the three-tier system of restrictions
√ To understand the relationships between hands, face and space in terms of social distancing measures within the context of property lettings
√ Above all, to bring peace of mind and security when giving instructions to let your property in time of the three-tier system restrictions against the coronavirus pandemic
What next?
If you are a landlord/lady and want to give instructions to let but do not know what to do during this time of Covid-19 tiered system of restrictions, why not work with Home Relief?
Need to restart or continue lettings under the Covid-19 three-tier system of restrictions and anti-coronavirus measures, please work with Home Relief.
If you are looking for an affordable location and home, Home Relief is the people dealing with affordable homes you could consider in your property searches and enquiries.
Private Residential Property Management in the Context of Localisation of COVID-19 Management
How the three-tiered system after COVID-19 lockdown 2 may affect landlords’/ladies’ property letting and tenants’ rental interests
This week, we will be working with landlords/ladies and renters on the management of private residential properties in the context of three-tiered local lockdown system to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.
For example, the control of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic requires the use of face coverings, regular hand washing and the keeping of doors and windows open for good air ventilation during property viewings.
There are print and online resources published by the UK Government and property organisations which cover the coronavirus three-tiered system or the local lockdown restrictions. However, not everybody understands every single piece of this information.
For those landlords/ladies and renters who are having some problems in interpreting these resources, we will be working with them on the UK Government reverted localised system of managing the coronavirus pandemic, especially on how it affects property lettings and rentals.
Areas of working together to be covered
Our work with them will consider three key areas:
(1) Working together to understand the COVID-19 alert system in relation to property lettings and rentals
(2) Finding out the extent to which the three-tiered system may affect their individual letting or rental interest depending on the tier (tier 1 or 2 or 3) the property is in
(3) Exploring with them the best way to follow their tier rules as far as lettings or rentals are concerned
What does this working together mean in practical terms?
Points to consider on a practical level
We shall together try to deal with the following identified pointers:
√ Restricted level of interactions between landlords/ladies and tenants
√ Letting or rental in-person
√ Property listing
√ Length of notice ahead of property visit
√ Maintenance work and safety checks
√ Viewings under strict safety guidelines and/or safely remote viewings
√ Arrangement about tradespeople
√ Property preparation for incoming tenants
√ Rearrangement of repair work
√ Virtual property valuations
√ Social distancing and hygiene measures during visits
Etc.
Some of these points relate to landlords/ladies and others to both landlords/ladies and renters.
Expectations from this week’s working together
One would hope that at the end of this week’s activity, landlords/ladies and renters will be
√ Better informed about the tier in which their property or interest is
√ Considering the implications of belonging to a particular tier in terms of property letting or rental requirements
√ Minimising or nullifying the spread of the coronavirus pandemic in the context of lettings or rentals
√ Maintaining safe and healthy relationships between them (landlords/ladies and tenants)
√ Not upsetting the functioning and structure of their tier so that they can get throughout the coronavirus crisis safely and healthily
√ Protecting their interest and investment
√ Having peace of mind as they will be fully aware of the rules of the game
Etc.
Need support about how the three-tiered system will affect your interest, please do not hesitate to work with Home Relief.
If you are looking for an affordable location and home, Home Relief is the people dealing with affordable homes you could consider in your property searches and enquiries.
Coronavirus, Lockdown and Essential Property Maintenance
How to keep essential cleaning for private residential properties within the context of anti-coronavirus measures relating to property management
At the moment, we are in the context of e-following the UK Government advice and the NHS guidance in order to protect each other against the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. In this context, it is required to everybody to make sure that they clean any potential traces of Covid-19 germs or viruses in their property from the entrance to the inside as well as around the building. This should be done knowingly or unknowingly that the Covid-19 can survive on hard surfaces for up to a week.
As part of essential or perhaps life-saving cleaning duties making the essential property maintenance, we are going to follow this non-clinical decontamination requirement for collective health protection from the coronavirus. This essential cleaning includes: household items, shopping, clothes, personal items (such as keys, wallets, bank cards, etc.) and shoes.
• Coronavirus-related essential cleaning
Within the private rental property maintenance, there are many aspects of cleaning. However, in the context of this week’s e-exercise with landlords/ladies and renters, we are going to focus on the cleaning elements relating to anti-coronavirus pandemic. We are going to e-discuss with landlords/ladies and renters this cleaning matter.
At the moment, landlords/ladies may be spending money to decontaminate their properties from any potential traces of coronavirus germs or strains. They may be spending on cleaning products and materials necessary either to keep their rented properties or the one they reside free from any traces of Covid-19 germs.
Many of them have cleaning experience from the first shock wave of the coronavirus pandemic and lockdown. Some of them may be sharing information and good practices on this matter with their tenants in the interest of public health protection. There are still those who may not be aware of this information.
• Areas of coronavirus-related essential maintenance for e-discussion
In the process of spending for health protection, landlords/ladies and renters may encounter difficulties to differentiate between essential and non-essential spendings in order to protect themselves and people around them. To ease this process for them and tenants, we will be e-discussing with them the following:
√ Essential and non-essential spending items in their cleaning budgets regarding the anti-coronavirus measures
√ Recommended key cleaning products and techniques to get rid of the traces of coronavirus hazards
√ Areas of properties to clean and wipe to disinfect them from Covid-19 germs
√ Protective equipment and clothes for this kind of anti-coronavirus cleaning work
√ The weekly or monthly cleaning budget for protection against coronavirus
√ Cleaning before and after property viewings, or between two tenancies
√ Social distancing rules and other health precautions (such as the wearing of face coverings and gloves) within the context of property maintenance
√ Stores and shops where to purchase at affordable prices essential cleaning products as well as where to get information and advice
Etc.
In addition to the above, we are going to share some effective cleaning practices, stories, experiences, online sources, resources (such as videos) and leads regarding non-clinical decontamination of properties from Covid-19 germs.
For example, there are many hand sanitizers sold on the market. However, not all of them have the medically recommended level of percentage of alcohol to be effective against the germs of the coronavirus pandemic.
This week, we are going to e-work with them via ONLY phone, text, email and contact form to try to exchange ideas and good practices about essential cleaning in the critical context of non-clinical decontamination of private rental properties from the traces or strains of coronavirus pandemic during the lockdown.
Like many of us, renters and landlords/ladies are searching for the best possible way of cleaning household items and of carrying out preventive personal hygiene against the Covid-19 germs.
Need to e-discuss your property cleaning matter to get rid of the Covid-19 risk factor, please do not hesitate to e-work with Home Relief.
If you are looking for an affordable location and home, Home Relief is the people dealing with affordable homes you could consider in your property searches and enquiries.
Residential Private Property Management and the Second Lockdown
How to put in place alternative arrangements for property management in the context of the second lockdown
This week, we will be virtually working on essential and non-essential aspects of residential property management within the context of decontamination in non-clinical settings and social distancing requirements for managed properties in order to slow down and contain the spread of the coronavirus pandemic during the second lockdown and beyond.
The purpose of this week’s work
The purpose of this week’s work is to adapt aspects of residential private property management to suit the situation of this difficult time of the coronavirus pandemic while protecting the interests of the parties in the contractual agreement.
This adaptation can be done without going against the legal framework and the housing sector rules, however by working together with landlords/ladies to support them in putting in place property management plan or alternative arrangement that reflects the current context of second lockdown.
It is hoped that the adaptation will secure peace of mind and protect landlords’/ladies’ property investment against any threats brought by the coronavirus and related lockdown.
This kind of adaptation could mean rethink some aspects of property management.
Rethinking essential and non-essential maintenance, emergency and non-emergency works
As the coronavirus pandemic crisis continues, there are renters and landlords/ladies who may be having to rethink any issues or works related to the property management, particularly they have to rethink between essential and non-essential issues or works, between emergency and non-emergency ones. Alternatively, they may have to remember what happened to property management during the first shock wave of the coronavirus pandemic and first lockdown.
At this time of the second lockdown, everybody including renters and landlords/ladies should follow the government’s guidance and the NHS advice. We will apply as much as we can this guidance within the context of residential property management.
Context of self-isolation and social distancing rules
Within the contexts of self-isolation and social distancing requirements, both landlords/ladies and tenants are required to only communicate via phone, text and email. If landlords/ladies follow the government’s guidance and the NHS advice, they should not arrange any inspections or non-essential works during this period unless it cannot be avoided. The same, tenants are advised against having visitors in the property.
However, where for example a tenant has a mental health issue or is classified as a vulnerable person, there are different provisions from the government; provisions which both landlords/ladies and tenants need to explore and to be aware since these provisions could be different in the second lockdown from the first lockdown.
How to deal with maintenance issues during the second lockdown
Like in the first lockdown, in the second lockdown tenants may have maintenance issues, but may find it difficult to ask their landlords/ladies or managing agents to deal with these issues. To help both contractual parties to manage management issues during this exceptional time of the coronavirus and lockdown, we will be discussing with them how to go about them.
For example, we will be relooking at together what is essential and non-essential repair or visit or cleaning at managed properties at this time of the coronavirus pandemic.
How we will be working with them
This week, we are working with them via ONLY phone, text, email and contact form to try to find alternative arrangements for property management in the critical context of life-threatening impacts of the coronavirus pandemic.
Like many of us, renters and landlords/ladies are searching ways of adapting to this new difficult situation.
Need to discuss your property management issue while taking into account the Covid-19 constraint, please do not hesitate to e-work with Home Relief.
If you are looking for an affordable location and home, Home Relief is the people dealing with affordable homes you could consider in your property searches and enquiries.
