Secure Operating

COVID-19 Secure Operating Practices

---

APRIL 2021 UPDATE

Now we are at stage 2 of the Government’s Roadmap out of lockdown, we’re delighted to move to the next step to recovery and see restrictions start to lift. We have been working hard so that all our ludlowthompson offices are following both the industry and Government guidelines when it comes to re-opening and we look forward to welcoming you back.

The safety of our customers and staff are paramount and therefore at present all visits to our offices are by appointment only, to ensure social distancing, cleaning and other safety regulations are followed. You can book an appointment to come and see us by contacting your local office.

Before the appointment you will be asked a series of questions as part of a risk assessment before the appointment can be confirmed. When visiting one of our offices you will also be asked to wear a face covering and check in for Test and Trace purposes.

The following are the activities allowed by the Government to continue in connection with the purchase, sale, letting or rental of a residential property, and the COVID-19 Secure Operating Practices we have put in place to address them:

• Viewing residential properties to look for a property to buy or to rent
  We are encouraging applicants to view properties virtually in the first instance, and to facilitate this we are providing video based viewings wherever possible. However you can still view a property in person and can book a viewing via the normal channels. After booking the viewing you will be asked a series of questions as part of a risk assessment before the viewing can be confirmed.
  
  At the viewing social distancing must be maintained at all times, and in order to do this the number of people should be limited, with no children or vulnerable adults in attendance. We also ask that the current residents vacate the property during any viewings. Our teams are all equipped with PPE equipment including face masks and gloves and will be travelling to appointments on foot or using their own vehicle to avoid public transport. We ask you to ensure you are wearing a face covering during your visit and whilst within the premises.

• Preparing a residential property to move in; moving house
  All the necessary steps to enable you to move house, whether buying or renting are allowed by the Government and will be supported by ludlowthompson wherever needed.

• Visiting a residential property to undertake any activities required for the rental or sale of that property
  Similarly to viewings we are encouraging virtual or telephone appraisals in the first instance however we are still able to visit your property and carry out a valuation in person. You can book a valuation online or by calling your local office.
  At the valuation appointment social distancing must be maintained at all times, and in order to do this the number of people should be limited, with no children or vulnerable adults in attendance. Our teams are all equipped with PPE equipment including face masks and gloves to help protect you and your loved ones.

For ongoing rental agreements, our Property Management team is available and ready to answer any queries regarding your property as usual, and we will continue to ensure our out of hours 24/7 Emergency Repairs hotline is able to preserve tenants’ safety and welfare around the clock. Repairs and necessary maintenance work are still being carried out where COVID-19 secure practices permit.

If you have any questions please do not hesitate to get in touch with a member of the team and they will be happy to advise you. You can find the Government advice on home moving during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak here.