Latest Coronavirus Update from Cherry Lets

Dear All,

In the last full lockdown, letting agents were able to re-open sooner than many retailers and have been allowed to stay open during the current national restrictions.

Here at Cherry Lets, we have modified how we work and adopted processes and policies in line with government and industry guidelines to reduce the risk from Covid-19.  These are continually reviewed.  The health and safety of all parties are paramount, and it is vital that we all play our part in reducing and minimising the spread.

There have been further updates to guidance including but not limited to the following:

Property Inspections

With property inspections, these are carried out remotely.  Processes and working tools are used to assist in the validity;  the co-operation of Occupants has been and continues to be paramount to the success.

Maintenance Procedures

“Tradespeople can continue to visit people’s homes to carry out any work or maintenance across throughout the country under new national restrictions, which begin in England from 5 November, provided these are undertaken in line with public health advice and the relevant coronavirus (COVID-19) legislation”.

Please be assured that our contractors are only instructed once they have confirmed that they will adhere to all guidelines (click here to view government guidelines)

As always, we are aware that some occupants are Shielding or Self Isolating and that there may be the requirement to postpone works; in addition, Occupants may prefer that where the works are non-urgent that these are also postponed and we discuss as these arise.   All reported maintenance and actions are documented.   Where postponed we regularly monitor and where possible, quotes and estimates are obtained to enable works to be completed when possible.

Viewings and Letting of Properties

The government gives detailed guidance on safely letting, which in light of the current situation, Cherry Lets have modified procedures for the safely letting of empty properties and only where consent is given occupied (on the basis of being unoccupied at the time of the viewing).  

As an agency we have already been adapting our processes and will continue to do so and add to these, our current process is:

  • Step 1: An initial vetting process – this is to ensure that in line with government guidance that the Applicant is likely to be accepted and is genuinely interested in the property. 
  • Step 2: Virtual viewing.
  • Step 3: Contactless in-person viewings on properties (with the property unoccupied at the time of viewing)– with full health and safety policy agreed with the Applicant and health questions prior to the viewing.   With Cherry Lets adhering to our policies and prior consent from our Landlord and/or Occupant regarding the contactless process (to include our verifying the Applicant).

We are adhering to government guidelines including social distancing and increased cleanliness measures for the safety of all, always.  

In between Tenancies

The guidance also requires that a vacant property is thoroughly cleaned prior to moving in, on the basis of the previous Occupants, not self-isolating or shielding or having symptoms of Covid- 19.

Checkouts and Check-In

We have procedures for each of the above, with each being contactless and with adherence to full health and safety policies including hygiene.

Visits to our office

We do miss our Landlords and Tenants calling in ad hoc and look forward to when this can be the norm again.  At this time, all visits are by appointment and only after all means of communication (i.e. email, mail, video call, phone call) have been exhausted.    Where carried out, this is with full adherence to all guidance including the wearing of face coverings by all parties (unless exempt) and a maximum of two persons from the same household.

Market Appraisals

For our new and existing Landlords, please be assured that Market Appraisals will continue.  As you would expect we have processes in place for the health and safety of all and we offer the choice of a Contactless or Virtual Market Appraisal of your property (the latter using remote working tools).

As the Covid-19 situation continues to evolve, our foremost concern is to keep clients and staff safe.

Please talk to us on 01869 337346 or email ask@cherry-lets.co.uk if you have any questions or concerns.

We are here to help and support all our clients, and we hope you, your friends and family remain safe and healthy for the duration of COVID-19.

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