Follow Guidance provided by Public Health England - Do not compromise on Health

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With uncertainty surrounding Covid-19 (Coronavirus), we have taken advice from Public Health England, the NHS, Gas Safe Register and the Health and Safety Executive.

The role of the letting agent is customer facing therefore, it is important that you take the relevant precautions that do not pose a threat to those who visit your office or to those present when you are visiting properties.

We will be sending additional information to deal with matters relating to letting matters.

HYGIENE HYGIENE HYGIENE

Make sure that all employees are aware of the following protocol:-

  • Continue to promote handwashing. Soap and hand sanitiser are becoming difficult to obtain, but do your best to ensure that toilets and kitchen areas are fully equipped.

  • Replace conventional towels with paper towels which can be disposed of immediately.

  • Anti-bacterial wipes should be used to clean desks, phones, headsets and other office equipment, such as photocopiers, computer screens, keyboards, etc.

  • Door handles should be cleaned regularly.

  • Be sure that EVERYONE understands the importance of using tissues, followed by a hand washing regime.

  • Encourage employees to keep anti-bacterial wipes in their cars. Follow the same cleaning protocol as in the office.

  • Do not shake hands – this is not necessary at this time.

  • Check the processes being undertaken by your cleaners. They can help maintain hygiene levels.

YOUR LANDLORDS, TENANTS & CONTRACTORS

  • Before visiting properties, ASK whether tenants have being feeling unwell, have a high temperature or a recent dry cough. ASK if they have had any contact with anyone with symptoms. ASK if they have been in contact with anyone who may have the virus. KEEP RECORDS OF ALL CONVERSATIONS. This applies to landlords and contractors.

  • ASK if anyone you may come into contact with has travelled to an affected country

  • Check your employees are well. Encourage them to work at home if they are not required in the office.

  • Visits to properties, property inspections, viewings, valuations, check-ins and check-outs, may all be disrupted. Keep accurate and detailed records of any appointments that are postponed or cancelled.

  • Advise all tenants and landlords of your protocol – we have published a letter on our website which you can download and edit. REMEMBER THIS IS ALL ABOUT HEALTH AND SAFETY.  https://www.guildofletting.com/stationery/coronavirus-covid-19-information-template

  • Be sure to comply with Health and Safety Executive guidance re; Gas Safety. Keep records of any correspondence or communication related to Gas Safety inspections that cannot go ahead. The same applies to maintenance and repairs.

  • If you have tenants who are vulnerable, ask if they need assistance with any day to day chores. If you cannot help, find someone who can

  • Check what procedures your contractors have in place to deal with Covid-19. They will have equipment to ensure they are complying with Health and Safety.

PROPERTY VISITS & VIEWINGS

  • Is it relevant to travel? Tech is available for everything from training to virtual viewings and meetings

  • Before viewings, ASK whether landlords/prospective applicants have being feeling unwell, have a high temperature or a recent dry cough. ASK if they have had any contact with anyone with symptoms. ASK if they have been in contact with anyone who may have the virus.  KEEP RECORDS OF ALL CONVERSATIONS.

YOUR BUSINESS CONTINGENCY PLAN

  • KEEP STAFF UP TO DATE ON WHAT IS HAPPENING DAILY

 

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