Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the rental market continues. Tenants are moving out of and into new homes, and landlords are keen to fill their properties before potential new lockdown measures happen.
However, inspections during the coronavirus pandemic mean stricter measures have come in place to help decrease the rate of infection.
“People need a place to live, irrespective of a virus going around. It’s for that reason that many people still need to view a home and find a place to live.
“From this weekend’s inspections, I can tell you that no one is out there looking at places for fun,” explains Sam Nokes, head of property management at Jellis Craig.
“Our job as agents is to facilitate for those with immediate needs, and do so in a safe manner,” he says.
There has been a lot of confusion surrounding inspections of rentals, as technically no one should be having visitors at the moment unless it’s absolutely necessary, according to the ‘Stay at Home‘ rules.
As of midnight Wednesday 25 March, Prime Minister Scott Morrison banned all open for inspections – but he did not ban private inspections.
Here is what you need to know about inspecting rentals during COVID-19.
Open for inspections by private appointment
Open for inspections of large groups have temporarily ceased.
Instead, across the country, agencies are either uploading virtual tours or conducting inspections by private appointment of one party.
realestate.com.au now has a digital inspections tool whereby agents upload video tours of properties. There is also a new option to book a private inspection for a property and up to 70% of rental listings now have this option.
For private inspections, those inspecting must show no signs of coronavirus symptoms – including a sore throat, cough, fever or shortness of breath – and practise good hygiene before entering the property, including sanitising hands and/or washing hands for 20 seconds.
If private inspections do take place, strict levels of hygiene must be adhered to. Picture: Getty
Agents should supply hand sanitiser for visiting tenants and ensure they do not touch any fixtures of fittings and exercise the social distancing rule of 1.5m.
Occupants of the house must not be at home during these inspections and inform their property manager if they are ill and therefore need to postpone inspections.
The Real Estate Institute of NSW is also recommending agents take down all the details of those who inspect the property including date, time, name, number and email if needed due to an outbreak.
Routine Inspections during a lease
Routine inspections by the landlord and property manager can still legally take place, however, the majority of agencies have switched to virtual inspections whereby the tenant sends a video of the property.
If a physical inspection does need to take place, caution is advised for tenants and visiting inspectors.
Both parties must be showing no symptoms of coronavirus, and tenants should not be in the house during the inspection.
Tenants must still be given the required notice of an inspection taking place and agents are encouraged to contact the tenant before the inspection to ensure it is still safe to enter the property.
Repairs and maintenance
Tenants are encouraged to continue reporting maintenance and repair issues within their property as they arise.
Emergency repairs and maintenance will continue to go ahead, however, if something can wait, it’s recommended to revisit the problem once the pandemic is over.
This helps limit the spread and risk of tenants and tradespeople becoming infected.
This article was originally published on
6 Apr 2020 at 4:54pm
but has been regularly updated to keep the information current.