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COVID-19
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, we would like to inform you of a number of changes we have implemented within our office and our practices to ensure all of our clients and staff remain safe during this period, whilst we continue to provide a service to the best of our abilities.
Day-to-Day Office Business:
- Opening
Our office is closed to visitors but you can contact us on the usual telephone numbers. Our team are working hard remotely from homes for essential day to day issues until further notice. Due to recent Government advice, you can no longer visit our office.
It is essential that we all keep monitoring the Government’s advice which is changing constantly. If you are self-isolating please let us know by dropping an email to office@montroseproperties.co.uk
We have implemented a strict hygiene regime to protect our staff, customers, clients and contractors.
- Viewings on properties coming available
We are following guidance from Property Mark, ARLA, NAEA and the Government. We are no longer permitted to carry out viewings on available property for the time being. Where possible, we will conduct viewings by video. Please bear in mind that the advertised date of property availability will not be before this crisis in over and we have the all clear from Government. Unless your tenancy start date is already agreed we will not be moving people into new properties.
- Inspections on tenanted properties
We are postponing mid-term inspections. Unless it is essential to enter a property, we will not be doing so.
- Phonelines and Contact
We continue to be contactable by phone and email. We have adapted our system so that staff can work from home but please bear with us if calls and queries take a little longer to be answered. Your understanding is appreciated.
Mandatory and Emergency Maintenance:
- Gas checks
Public Health England advise that contractors or letting agents must not put themselves in situations where they could be in contact with someone who is self-isolating.
The Gas Safe Register advice line advise that all reasonable steps must be shown to demonstrate that appointments have been made to carry out the gas safety certificate and that records of any correspondence or communication with the tenant must be kept on record.
This advice applies to all situations where access is not possible. If we are informed by a contractor or tenant that they are self-isolating, this will be recorded and the appointment rescheduled at the earliest convenience.
Therefore, we continue to carry out mandatory gas checks, fire and electrical testing where possible. However, we will not ask a contractor to enter a property where tenants are self-isolating. We will keep clear records of any dialogue with tenants regarding arranging these appointments and will do so when safe for all involved.
Please be aware that we will be conducting some gas checks, fire and electrical inspections prematurely where possible, as these are not normal circumstances.
- Emergencies
If we require access for a repair, we will make a judgement on the urgency of a situation. If there is an immediate risk to safety we will attempt all possible steps to complete the repair, whilst following advice on social distancing. Maintenance issues will be assessed individually but generally only emergency maintenance will be carried out at this time.
This may accrue a backlog of maintenance issues as the pandemic continues.
Business Continuity:
- Impact on Income for Tenants:
Many tenants livelihoods and incomes have already been adversely affected by the virus as many major employers have already sent staff home with unpaid leave. These tenants are facing financial difficulty and we are urging them to contact us for a positive discussion to take place about how best to move forward.
It is important that we are all sensible and considerate of what others may need during this period, particularly the vulnerable. This situation is continually changing and we will continue to follow the Government’s advice. Please do so yourself to ensure you and your families remain safe as well.
Keep well and please observe Government advise.
