05/01/2021
Covid-19: Lockdown restrictions
Mainland Scotland is now in lockdown with all areas subject to enhanced level 4 restrictions including a new legal requirement forbidding anyone from leaving their home except for essential purposes. Government guidance on the restrictions can be found here.
Below is a list of key landlord/letting agent activities and how they are impacted by the lockdown restrictions.
SAL currently awaits any additional detailed guidance which may come from the Scottish Government home moves team however, our assumption at present from the guidelines issued yesterday evening, is that the Scottish property letting sector can remain in business, with all precautions in place and working from home unless unavoidable. We will contact members with updated information as soon as any becomes available.
It is worth noting that in her statement, the First Minister asked all businesses to revisit now whether work can be carried out from home and make every effort to allow for this, and additionally to consider the childcare responsibilities of workers while schools remain closed.
It is for business owners to decide which aspects of their employees’ work can or cannot be carried out from home.
Home moves and viewings
People can move home but it is advisable to postpone viewings of properties and delay home moves, where this is possible.
Repairs & maintenance
Tradespeople should only go into a house to carry out or deliver essential work or services, for example:
- to carry out utility (electricity, gas, water, telephone, broadband) safety checks, repairs, maintenance and installations
- to carry out repairs and maintenance that would otherwise threaten the household’s health and safety
- to deliver, install or repair key household furniture and appliances such as washing machines, fridges and cookers
- to support a home move, for example furniture removal.
When carrying out essential work in someone’s house, tradespeople should stay 2 metres apart from the people who live there, wear a face covering and follow good hand and respiratory hygiene.
Safety checks
These should continue to take place to obtain safety certificates.
Property inspections
Routine inspections are not essential and should be postponed until the area is removed from level 4 restrictions.