COVID-19 Secure Operating Practices

JANUARY 2021 UPDATE

Following the Prime Ministers announcement of a third national lockdown, we are proud to be one of the exceptions to leaving home and to remain open for business. Through supporting labour mobility, stimulating investment and fulfilling so many needs and aspirations the housing market is a key building block for economic recovery.

We recognise the high degree of trust placed on us, as well as the wider industry, to operate safely and follow the rigorous COVID-19 secure practices in order to ensure the safety of our customers and colleagues.

The following are the activities allowed by the Government to continue in connection with the purchase, sale, letting or rental of a residential property, and the COVID-19 Secure Operating Practices we have put in place to address them:

• Visiting estate or letting agents, developer sales offices or show homes
Our offices are open for our customers, however you must book an appointment to see us in person, so we can ensure social distancing and time for cleaning between appointments. Before the appointment you will be asked a series of questions as part of a risk assessment before the appointment can be confirmed. When visiting one of our offices you will be asked to wear a face covering and check in for Test and Trace purposes.

• Viewing residential properties to look for a property to buy or to rent
We are encouraging applicants to view properties virtually in the first instance, and to facilitate this we are providing video based viewings wherever possible. However you can still view a property in person and can book a viewing via the normal channels. After booking the viewing you will be asked a series of questions as part of a risk assessment before the viewing can be confirmed.

At the viewing social distancing must be maintained at all times, and in order to do this the number of people should be limited, with no children or vulnerable adults in attendance. We also ask that the current residents vacate the property during any viewings. Our teams are all equipped with PPE equipment including face masks and gloves and will be travelling to appointments on foot or using their own vehicle to avoid public transport. We ask you to ensure you are wearing a face covering during your visit and whilst within the premises.

• Preparing a residential property to move in; moving house;
All the necessary steps to enable you to move house, whether buying or renting are allowed by the Government and will be supported by ludlowthompson wherever needed.

• Visiting a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property
Similarly to viewings we are encouraging virtual or telephone appraisals in the first instance however we are still able to visit your property and carry out a valuation in person. You can book a valuation online or by calling your local office.

At the valuation appointment social distancing must be maintained at all times, and in order to do this the number of people should be limited, with no children or vulnerable adults in attendance. Our teams are all equipped with PPE equipment including face masks and gloves to help protect you and your loved ones.

For ongoing rental agreements, our Property Management team is available and ready to answer any queries regarding your property as usual, and we will continue to ensure our out of hours 24/7 Emergency Repairs hotline is able to preserve tenants’ safety and welfare around the clock. Repairs and necessary maintenance work are still being carried out where COVID-19 secure practices permit.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the team and they will be happy to advise you. You can find the Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak here.