Adapting to life with Coronavirus (Covid-19) is proving challenging for all, although the “tier” system introduced by the government had made it clearer what business activities can continue at various levels. Housing is generally unaffected and we are following the guidance from the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government which continues to be updated.
In particular, we are making decisions based on the “non-statutory guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities in the private and social rented sectors in the context of Coronavirus (COVID-19)“.
Below is an assessment of how our business activities need to be modified, depending on which tier our area is allocated. In the instances where Coventry and other areas of Warwickshire and in different tiers, we will adapt our business practices in all areas to the most severe tier.
| Activity | Tier 4 | Tier 3 | Tier 2 |
| Members of the public visiting our office | No members of the public allowed in. | Pre-booked appointments only for members of the public
Display of the NHS QR code |
Members of the public are welcome, preferably wit pre-booked appointments
Display of the NHS QR code |
| Our staff in the office | Staff strongly encouraged to work from home – unless they feel they cannot effectively do so | Staff encouraged to work from home – unless they feel they cannot effectively do so | |
| Viewings on empty rooms/properties | Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless a tenant in the house can provide evidence of being:
|
Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless a tenant in the house can provide evidence of being required to self-isolate
Staff to be provided with PPE and hand sanitiser |
Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless a tenant in the house can provide evidence of being required to self-isolate
Staff to be provided with PPE and hand sanitiser |
| Viewings on occupied rooms/properties | Not permitted | Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless
Arranged with the tenant’s permission as usual |
Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless
Arranged with the tenant’s permission as usual |
| Cleaning of communal area in occupied HMO properties | Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless the tenant can provide evidence of being required to self-isolate
Prior notice given the previous day – with a rough estimated time of arrival and departure |
Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless the tenant can provide evidence of being required to self-isolate
Prior notice given the previous day – with a rough estimated time of arrival and departure |
Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless the tenant can provide evidence of being required to self-isolate
Prior notice given the previous day |
| Carrying out routine safety inspections (gas safety & electical safety) | Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless the tenant can provide evidence of being required to self-isolate
Prior notice given the previous day – with a rough estimated time of arrival and departure |
Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless the tenant can provide evidence of being required to self-isolate
Prior notice given the previous day – with a rough estimated time of arrival and departure |
Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless the tenant can provide evidence of being required to self-isolate
Prior notice given the previous day |
| Carrying out urgent maintenance work | Assessed on a case-by-case basis with access arrangements approved company directors, contractor and tenant | Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless the tenant can provide evidence of being required to self-isolate
Prior notice given the previous day – with a rough estimated time of arrival and departure |
Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless the tenant can provide evidence of being required to self-isolate |
| Carrying out routine maintenance work | Assessed on a case-by-case basis by company directors unless the tenant can provide evidence of being:
|
Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless the tenant can provide evidence of being:
|
Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless the tenant can provide evidence of being required to self-isolate |
| Carrying out routine maintenance visits to rooms in HMOs | Postponed until back in tier 3 unless the company directors believe there is a justified concern which must be investigated. | Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless the tenant can provide evidence of being:
|
Continuing with PPE and social distancing unless the tenant can provide evidence of being required to self-isolate |