Frequently Asked Questions - Advice for our Landlords

How are Cherry Lets managing inspections? 
With property inspections, these will continue to be carried out remotely and contactless.  We have so far found that these are working well, and that this does reduce risk in being contactless for all parties.   We do have a good relationship with Tenants, and they have been co-operative and in general pragmatic during this time.

How is Cherry Lets managing property viewings? 
We are following the government guidelines at present; they have advised against home moves where possible. While this is in place we continue to use technology to support social distancing for example; virtual viewings, 360 photography, slideshow photography presentations and working to increase our database of applicants, engaging with them and our current applicants to have them ready to move in when they are able to.

What is Cherry Lets doing where our service includes collecting rent payments?
The Government’s many financial initiatives should provide relief for many – aiming to reduce unemployment and financial hardship as a result of Covid-19. We are proud to have many accommodating Landlords and great relationships with Tenants to regularly keep up to date with each individual’s situation and work together to create bespoke solutions for each problem that may be faced at this time.

What is happening with regards to maintenance issues? 
Where we have outstanding non-urgent maintenance, this can now be carried out in accordance with new guidance from the government – https://www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak.  That, where not possible to complete repairs in between Tenancies that this should be done by appointment with measures put in place to ensure physical contact is minimised, for example with residents staying in another room during the visit and that government guidelines on social distancing and working in people’s home are adhered to.  
 
We will only instruct contractors where they have confirmed that they will adhere to the above along with the government guidelines on social distancing.
 
As always, we are aware that some Tenants are Shielding or Self Isolating and that there may be the requirement to postpone works; in addition, Tenants may prefer that where the works are non-urgent that these are also postponed and we will discuss as these arise.   All reported maintenance and actions will be documented.   Where postponed this will be regularly monitored and where possible, quotes and estimates will be obtained to enable works to be completed when these can be.