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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 currently open our normal hours and we welcome visitors but please try to contact us first to arrange an appointment. Some of our team continue to work remotely from home so please excuse the occasional dog barking or background noise when telephoning!
It is essential that we all keep monitoring the Government’s advice which is changing constantly. If you are a tenant 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 within our offices.
- Viewings on properties coming available
We are following guidance from Property Mark, ARLA, NAEA and the Government. We are permitted to carry out viewings on available property but there may be restrictions in place to how many people we can show at once and we ask you to continue to wear masks and gloves. Where possible, we will conduct viewings by video in the first instance and we may ask detailed questions about the property’s suitability and affordability for you before agreeing to an actual viewing.
- Inspections on tenanted properties
Having postponed mid-term inspections during lockdown, we are now in a position to re-start and will be prioritising as required. Social distancing measures will of course be respected.
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 and prioritised appropriately.
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 advice.
