Our hearts go out to anyone who's been impacted by the virus, either directly or indirectly. Our thoughts are especially with those who are sick, to whom we extend our heartfelt wishes for a full recovery.
To ensure we are handling all property related matters in an appropriate manner, we have made the decision to limit unnecessary contact. Jackson Property have invested heavily in IT equipment over the last 18 months, which leaves us in the very fortunate position we can work remotely from anywhere.
Our offices will close the doors to the general public from close of play on Friday 20th March, however we are still operating as normal and will be providing viewings and valuations of clients homes, where we have implemented safety procedures to limit close contact. We shall continue to do the below until advised otherwise
Viewings of Properties
We continue to carry out viewings and have recently sent out advice to all clients to advise us if they or their families are affected in any way. All staff will be carrying antibacterial products for themselves and viewers use before entering a property. We shall ask all clients to limit the touching of client’s facilities and allow the attending agent to open doors etc.
Valuations of Properties
Valuations are essential to our business as we are an independent and family run business, we also understand that not everything can be on hold for everybody at this time as some people simply need to sell or let their property. We shall be keeping a safe distance from clients along with asking the owners to open the doors for our attending agent. If the property is vacant, we shall be wearing protective gloves to keep everything as contamination free as possible.
Providing Notice to Tenants
The government has announced a radical package of measures to protect renters affected by coronavirus. As a result, no renter in either social or private accommodation will be forced out of their home during this difficult time.
Emergency legislation will be taken forward as an urgent priority so that landlords will not be able to start proceedings to evict tenants for at least a 3 month period. As a result of these measures, no renters in private or social accommodation are to be concerned about the threat of eviction.
Notice Received From Tenants
Should we receive notice from tenants in situ which requires the property to be re-let, we may encounter access for viewings being declined. Conducting viewings within the current circumstances would increase the risk of infection to the tenant(s) and should this scenario arise we would need to respect the tenant’s right of quiet enjoyment of the property. Should self-isolation occur during notice period for the tenant(s) then access to the property would not be appropriate in line with Government advise during the outbreak.
Moving New Tenants In
Moving new tenants into a property require a new inventory report to be produced before occupation. We will of course be carrying out these inspections but as a landlord you may wish to undertake deep cleaning of the property prior to occupation. Should this be the case please contact the office and we can advise accordingly.
Inspections
Due to the high risk of contracting the virus or transferring the infection, we have decided to suspend all property inspections with immediate effect for an indefinite period. All the properties due for an inspection during this period will be carried out as a priority once we are satisfied that the risk of infection has declined. We have not taken this decision lightly, but we do have to respect both our staff and your tenants during this difficult time.
Maintenance
The Government have yet to clarify the appropriate procedures that should be undertaken by agents and landlords with the best interests of all parties in mind. If, for example, a boiler breaks down in a tenant’s home where someone is self-isolating or has the virus, what steps should tenants, agents, and landlords take to rectify the problem without putting people in risk of catching the virus. Legal obligations under these circumstances can’t be carried out by agents and landlords due to the risk of catching and spreading the virus. Therefore, at this stage, all maintenance issues will be carried out based on importance. We have already written to all tenant(s) and advised them to continue to report all maintenance issues but that we may have difficulty in getting contractors to visit at this time.
Safety Certification (Gas & Electrical)
Again, to avoid the spread of Coronavirus, we are awaiting information put forward by Property Mark to the Government, asking to postpone these checks. By doing this, it will enable contractors to stay safe and gives tenants reassurance that contractors will not have to enter their properties until after the crisis. Until we hear otherwise Jackson Property have asked our engineers to carry out any certificates due in April or May to carry out immediately, rather than when they become due. We are monitoring the governments response extremely closely.
Jackson Property Offices & Working
Jackson Property currently remain operational, but the situation is changing daily along with advice being given. We have closed the offices from Friday 20th March, however we are monitoring closely the guidelines on what the government advice. Our staff are still on hand to support you and your property related matters.
We wish you all well and hope everyone is safe, Should you need to get hold of us for anything, please use the contacts below
Leominster: 01568 610600
Hereford: 01432 344779
e-mail: info@bill-jackson.co.uk
EMERGENCY NUMBERS
Lettings General: 07971 526274
Sales General: 07866495313
Yours sincerely
Nathan Jackman-Smith ANEA
on Behalf of all at Jackson Property
by 
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