This is national guidance. If local restrictions are in place in your area, please check for local lockdowns guidance.

This guidance provides important public health information to ensure that moving home and related activities, such as viewing property, can happen safely.

Those renting a property, letting agents and landlords should be aware of and follow the government guidance on coronavirus and renting which contains further advice.

The process of searching for and moving into a new home is different because property agents, conveyancers and other professionals have modified how they work to reduce the risk from COVID-19. These changes could include doing more online, such as offering virtual viewings.

• Members of the public who are visiting an Agent’s office or viewing a property should wear a suitable face covering as described in government guidance, unless they are exempt from this requirement.
• All physical viewings where prospective buyers or renters will be entering the property should involve no more than 2 households inside the property at any one time. This includes any agent accompanying either party. Anyone in a support bubble with either household, however, will count as part of that household. Please read the latest guidance on indoor gatherings and support bubbles.
• Where renters who are currently from separate households wish to view the property on the same occasion, we advise that one household leaves the property to allow the other to enter. This allows for both households to view the property and ensures social distancing.
• Viewings should be arranged by appointment only. When viewing properties in person, you should avoid touching surfaces wherever possible, wash your hands regularly and/or use hand sanitiser. If you need to be accompanied by small children, you should try to keep them from touching surfaces and ensure they wash their hands regularly.

Self Isolating

If you have symptoms of COVID-19, however mild, or you have received a positive COVID-19 test result, you should immediately self-isolate at home for at least 10 days from when your symptoms started. You may also be required to self-isolate if you are entering or returning to the UK from abroad or have been contacted by NHS Test and Trace. Everyone should follow the latest requirements to quarantine upon return to the UK.

Viewings

• We encourage renters to do their initial property searches online wherever possible. Initial viewings should also be done virtually, and in person viewings should only take place when renters are seriously considering a property.
• All viewings should be by appointment only.
• There are unlikely to be physical protection measures in place in homes. In this case we would advise estate agents to wear a face covering.
• Members of the public who are viewing a property should wear a suitable face covering as described in government guidance unless they are exempt from this requirement. This should be confirmed with the agent before arrival. Anyone with concerns should contact the agent in advance of their visit to discuss appropriate measures.
• When viewing a property, everyone should wash their hands and avoid touching surfaces where possible.
• We expect property agents to accompany clients on a viewing and follow social distancing guidance.
• Once the viewing has taken place, the Agent should ensure surfaces, such as door handles, are cleaned with appropriate sanitisation solution.

It is important that everyone knows how to stay alert and safe.

In the meantime, should anyone wish to discuss any of the foregoing in further detail, then do not hesitate to contact us.