This applies to Wales

The Health Protection (Coronavirus Restrictions) (Wales) Regulations 2020 have been amended once again which confirms physical viewings can now be carried out for occupied as well as unoccupied properties. This includes vacant rooms in HMO’s and shared accommodation.

The keys points to consider when carrying out a viewing are:

  • research the area and the property beforehand online,
  • a virtual viewing should still be carried out first which the landlord or agent can assist with,
  • a landlord or agent should meet applicants at the viewing and must not car share with them,
  • physical viewings should be limited to members of the same household and preferably only one member of that household,
  • no open house viewings or block viewings to take place,
  • a landlord or agent can attend the viewing and if the property is occupied ideally the occupier should vacate the property. If the occupiers would rather be present during the viewing then they should maintain social distancing, stay in a separate room or in the garden,
  • whilst the viewing is taking place all parties must avoid touching surfaces, door handles, light switches and must bring their own hand sanitizers,
  • after the viewing the landlord or agent must wipe down all surfaces including door handles and light switches

When carrying out a property viewing in a HMO or shared accommodation these points should be considered:

  • wherever possible, agree with other residents who live in the accommodation a time for the property viewing to take place
  • where feasible, it should be agreed for the other residents to avoid being in shared spaces e.g. kitchens, bathrooms, living areas etc. whilst the property viewing is taking place
  • if the occupants of the property have been advised to self-isolate, viewings should not take place until the period of self-isolation is complete for all of the occupants