Maintenance in residential
property can still take place, but much depends on the urgency of work
required. Therefore each case needs to be taken on its own merits. Loveitts
property managers are still working and are here to assist both landlords and
tenants alike with their on-going maintenance matters. Outlined below, ARLA
Propertymark have put together some guidance that Loveitts will be working to.
Can maintenance go ahead in a
property?
The good news is yes as long as
the work to be carried out is essential and absolutely necessary.
The Government has stated that
work carried out by tradespeople in people’s homes can continue if the
tradesperson is well and has no symptoms. It is also important to ensure that
Public Health England guidelines are followed, including maintaining a 2-metre
distance from any household occupants.
No work should be carried out
in any household which is isolating or where an individual has been classed as
‘at-risk’, unless it is an emergency, and where the tradesperson is willing to
do so. In such cases, Public Health England can provide advice to tradespeople
and households.
No work should be carried out
by a tradesperson who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild.
What
safety measures should be followed while work is being carried out?
Firstly, the tradesperson
coming to your property should be aware of the safety measures they need to
take in order to safely work at your property. Public Health England have
released guidance on measures
everyone should take, this includes keeping a 2-metre distance from any
household occupants, washing your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds,
never touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth and if you cough or sneeze to do so
in your shoulder and to wash your hands afterwards.
If your selected tradesperson
is part of a trade body, they could also have further advice for their
industry. For example, the Heating & Hotwater Industry Council have
produced advice for their
members while continuing to work.
This includes:
- On the day of the work, call ahead to your customer to ask if
they or any occupants have signs of the virus, have been diagnosed, or are
self-isolating, and to check that they are comfortable with your visit to
take place
- Do not shake hands with the customer or other occupants.
- Ask if the occupants can stay in another room, away from the
work area(s) whilst the work proceeds, and with permission ventilate the
work area where appropriate, e.g. by opening a window
- Wear suitable work gloves
- Avoid collecting a signature at the end of the job where
possible.
A good level of communication
between you and your contractor is key in these circumstances to be able ensure
the above advice can be carried out smoothly.
What
else can I do to ensure work is carried out safely?
Alongside Public Health
England’s advice, the Government have advised that keeping your property clean
is an effective way of ensuring COVID-19 doesn’t spread. Using your usual
household cleaning products, clean frequently touched surfaces such as door
handles, handrails, remote controls and tabletops. Wherever possible, wear
disposable or washing-up gloves and aprons for cleaning.
In terms of applying this to a
tradesperson visit, consider where that tradesperson will be spending their
time while in your property and any appliances or equipment, they are likely to
be touching during their work. Cleaning this area before and after their visit
is good practice.
If you need further assistance please contact our property managers directly who can offer assistance and support.