COVID-19 and house inspections

Everyone’s actions have helped to reduce the transmission of coronavirus in our communities. The most important thing we can do in the fight against coronavirus is to stay alert, control the virus, and in doing so, save lives. As part of the national effort to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, it is essential that tenants, landlords, and local authorities continue to work together to keep rented properties a safe and decent place to live. It is in the best interests of both landlords and tenants to ensure that properties are kept free from hazards and in good condition. Tenants should inform their landlords early if there is an issue and landlords should take immediately the appropriate action.

At Pioneer Inventory, we deeply care for our customers’ safety and wellbeing. We are committed to helping to ensure that everyone renting their home has a safe place to live. We continue to support the positive partnership between tenants and landlords which underpins all well-functioning tenancies. We strive to deliver services to clients safely, consistently and in line with the government’s latest guidance on coronavirus.

The situation with COVID-19 is changing daily and we are aware that you may be feeling concerned. We want to assure you that we continue to provide the highest levels of service while complying with public health guidance (PHG) and maintaining current social distancing guidelines. Where a physical inspection is required, this will take place in accordance with government and Public Health England (PHE) social distancing guidelines, considering health and safety at all times for all parties involved:

Before the inspection:

• ​operate in a way which minimises the need for face to face contact
• act in a professional and transparent manner with all parties involved
• be clear with the occupier/client about their service and any limitations or restrictions to the service because of coronavirus and social distancing guidelines
• contact clients by telephone, email, or video conferencing platforms
• check with occupier/client whether anyone is showing COVID-19 symptoms, is in an at-risk category, vulnerable group, self-isolating or shielding
• if a household is self-isolating or shielding, no inspection will be carried out
• take all reasonable steps to make sure the property occupier and client is provided with as much information as possible about the service and visits in advance and ensure the inspection, arrangements and service are agreed by all parties
• ask occupiers to prepare for the inspection (pets to be contained in one room or to be kept at a distance of two metres; to maintain social distancing in line with government guidelines; all internal doors to be open and all areas easily accessible to reduce contact with surfaces as much as possible)
• adhere to PHE guidelines on cleaning hands thoroughly prior to entering the property
• use an appointment system for visits

During the inspection:

• request that occupiers not be in the property if possible, in order to avoid physical contact
• where the occupier has to be present, ensure compliance to existing social distancing measures, seeking to maintain a minimum of 2 metres distance from others wherever possible
• where social distancing is not possible and the visit is within an enclosed space, should be considered wearing a face covering in line with government guidance
• minimise physical contact during key handovers and ensure keys are sanitised
• aim for as minimal an amount of contact with surfaces when inspecting the property as possible
• record accurately and thoroughly the inspection, including any limitations as a result of restrictions
• take an adequate number of high-quality photographs/videos

After the inspection:

• wash/sanitise hands thoroughly and sanitise equipment
• appropriately dispose of any PPE used during inspection in line with government and PHE guidelines
• communicate the findings of the inspection appropriately with the client as per the instruction and agreed terms of engagement
• deliver detailed and comprehensive reports in line with the industry guidance
• ensure that any restrictions are made clear and stated in report
• note any limitations to inspection/service delivered as a result of current social distancing measures and health and safety risks
• highlight any hazards and risks found during the inspection

We recognise that the restrictions imposed by current measures to minimise the infection risks from COVID-19 may make our lives more difficult and challenging. But we work together to ensure we stay safe and alert to minimise the spread of infection! We always behave ethically and professionally and encourage a pragmatic, common-sense approach in these unprecedented times.
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Your safety and wellbeing are our first priority!