Agency mindful of tenant safety as market reopens

Date Published 29 May 2020

Leek based lettings agency Westwood Lettings have welcomed the Government's decision to reopen the lettings market whilst being acutely aware of the safety of their existing and prospective tenants.

Lettings agents were amongst one of the first businesses to reopen following the Prime Minister's announcement on the easing of Covid-19 lockdown and social distancing restrictions.

Housing secretary Robert Jenrick estimates that around 450,000 buyers and renters have been unable to progress their plans due to lockdown restrictions. However, since Wednesday 13 May members of the public have been able to visit sales and letting agencies, view properties for sale or rent and move home.

Agents are also allowed to visit any rental property to get them ready for sale by undertaking appraisals, valuations, and photography.

Maxine Hughes, pictured, from Westwood Lettings said: 'Safety is paramount to us so our office will continue to remain closed to protect our staff and customers, but enquiries, viewings and essential maintenance are still being responded to.

'We are fortunate to use some of the best property technology or ‘proptech' in the industry, including video walkthroughs and virtual viewings, a digital signing platform and cloud based technology, enabling us to continue operating from home. However, there is always a human element involved when it comes to letting a property. Meeting a prospective tenant is vital and we are pleased we are now able to consider new tenants whilst observing the two metres social distancing and hygiene protocols.'