Rental Sector Resumes Business... with Plenty of New Tenants

Our Commitment to Safe Viewings and Move-Ins

As the lettings industry officially resumed business earlier this month, we’ve adapted our procedures quickly to adopt the government’s recommendations for safer working.

Using PPE, hand sanitisation and frequent washing and through observing social distancing and conducting viewings only when a property is vacant, we’re able to continue delivering the exceptional service our landlords and tenants know us for.

Additionally, with 5 new tenancies commencing for Maplewood landlords in just the first 10 days of the ‘new normal’, we are anticipating that the next few months will be busy. We also expect to see the sales market pick up again as mortgage lenders reopen and property surveys resume.

Maplewood Property can take on the management or sale of a property at any time - even with tenants in place. Many owners have seen the benefits of using us even (or especially) during Covid-19.

To discuss how we can help you, call us on +44 (0) 203 488 1224 or get in touch via the link below.

Keeping Tradespeople Safe During Covid-19

How to Support Safe Working for Tradespeople throughout Coronavirus

As we highlighted in our recent post on frequently asked questions from landlords, wherever possible, it is still mandatory to ensure your property is safe and compliant with all current rental and safety legislation.

Our advice has been to carry out any necessary works and checks for energy performance, gas and electrical safety certificates to empty properties between tenants to ensure the safety of our valued tradespeople. Where this has not been possible because a property has a current tenant, we are facilitating the tradesperson and tenant coordinating access and discussing the best arrangements.

Typically, the tenant has chosen to take a walk or do their shopping during the visit to allow the tradesperson safe and unrestricted access to the property whilst they undertake the necessary works. Deliveries of replacement parts and materials are being similarly coordinated.

In carrying out these measures with we’ve been able to keep our landlord’s rental properties safe and compliant - and also keep our trusted tradespeople in work.

The government has produced comprehensive information on safe working practices and it is available via our link.

Landlord FAQs - Covid-19 Edition

Frequently Asked Questions from Landlords During Lockdown

My new tenants have already signed a contract and are due to move-in shortly. Can this go ahead during lockdown? 

Yes. Removal companies and locksmiths have been deemed essential services and if your tenants have already signed a contract, the relevant start of tenancy arrangements can easily be carried out via remote working and social distancing. Repairs and maintenance, inventories, gas safety certification and professional cleaning can all take place on empty properties after your previous tenants have vacated and in some cases, we are even able to use key boxes or have keys kept securely with the concierge in the building to further simplify face-to-face meetings to exchange keys. We’re always embracing ways to work better - right down to online signature of tenancy agreements - and this means that much of our working is business as usual.    

Does my property still require certification during this time?

Yes. The measures being introduced by the government do not affect the general health and safety requirements for rental properties. Boilers should still be serviced as per normal and gas and electrical safety checks will need to be carried out, regardless of the virus, and following the government’s guidance on safe working practices. 

Are rents going to go down… or up? 

Depending on which day of the week - and who you ask - you’ll get a different answer every time. At Maplewood, we have seen rental prices in Central London continue to be very stable over the past weeks. However, with lower numbers of tenants choosing to move during this period, it may mean that we see a surge in tenants who have been waiting to move house once lockdown is lifted. This could result in a slight drop in rental values now and a small boom as it bounces back, but longer term, we don’t anticipate any major fluctuations in the market at this point.  

The government has published detailed guidance on moving during the coronavirus outbreak. You can read it in full via the link.

Gas Safety Week

Gas Safety Week - Awareness

Did you know that 1 in 5 homes in the UK have unsafe gas appliances according to the latest inspection figures? This week the property industry is focused on raising awareness for gas safety in residential properties. The law has been In place and updated since The Gas Safety (Installations & Use) Regulations 1998 for England & Wales. You must have your rental property checked every year by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer.

Homeowners can also make sure that they are living in a gas safe property by having a check done at home and watching out for these five key signs that something might be wrong. Find out what to look for and more information by clicking the button below.