As coronavirus continues to contain the UK, the government guidelines are clear on viewings; no face-to-face viewings can go ahead in the current climate to help stop the spread of coronavirus. Please read all our current advice here. If you have an empty property to let, apart from in exceptional circumstances, the fact is that you will not moving any tenants in under current guidance.
However, this will change.
When the restrictions are lifted, there will be pent up demand for tenants
looking for a new home. Prospective
tenants are still looking at properties online now, short-listing potential
homes for when the doors are flung open.
Having a digital, distance-proof, video of your home could put your
property to the top of the ‘to see’ list.
Your smart phone gives you the ability to record video
property walkthroughs, allowing you to showcase your property to potential
tenants. It’s a great introduction to
allow future renters to really ‘get to know’ your property, without setting foot
inside.
Check out our simple five-step-guide to recording the
perfect video:
Step 1:Plan your video
You will already have a clear idea of the rooms
that have the most ‘wow’ factor in your property. Make sure you have plenty of
time to focus on them. Tenants won’t need to see details of the airing
cupboard, but everyone will want to see the kitchen, bathroom, main living
spaces and master bedroom.
Plan your route: have a clear idea of the route
that you are going to take through the property. The first view will set the
tone for the rest of the film, and the final room is the one that will remain
in memory, so make sure you choose really strong spaces to stick in people’s
minds.
Step 2:Prepare your property
It goes without saying that you should make sure
that your property is looking its best, just as you would if you were preparing
it for a real-life viewing. Make sure it is spotlessly clean, and any excess
clutter – junk mail, or coffee cups – are cleared away.
The importance of great lighting shouldn’t be
underestimated, make sure lights are switched on, so that there are no gloomy
corners.
Pick the best time of day when there is the most
natural light. Sun streaming through (clean)
windows will make the property look appealing.
Make sure any doors are open (leave them ajar)
ready for you to move smoothly through. You don’t want to be fumbling over a
door handle whilst trying to juggle a camera.
Step 3:Film your video
Make sure you are confident with the video
technology that you are going to use. Do some practice runs before you get
cracking with the real thing.
Videos look better on Rightmove and Zoopla in
landscape format, so to ensure that your video maximises space, hold your phone
horizontally to record.
Hold your phone at chest height when you are
recording. This allows you to hold the camera steady (using both hands and keeping
your arms clamped close to your sides will give extra stability) and gives
continuity as you move around your property.
Wherever possible, position yourself in the
corner of rooms, recording a wide pan shot of the room. This makes the room
look as large as possible, and gives the viewer a clear view of the space.
If you can, try and position your camera so that
you can see out of any windows in the room. This not only showcases any views
that you may have, but also makes the space look bigger.
Don’t worry if there’s elements that you want to
crop, most phones have editing software for cropping elements out built in, so
you can snip any mishaps out of the finished product.
Step 4:Talk viewers through the video
Decide whether or not you are going to add a
voice over to your video – there’s no right or wrong choice here, but if you
are not confident don’t do it.
If you choose to include a voice-over, this can
be recorded live as you record the visuals. Make sure you have given some thought
as to what you are going to say beforehand, and are confident of your facts.
Including basic information such as the size of
the room and any furniture that will be included is really useful, as well as
drawing attention to any extra special features.
Step 5:Getting your video seen
In order to share your video, you will need to first upload your video to YouTube. You’ll need a YouTube account, but this is easy to set up. Head to www.youtube.com to create a new account. You’ll need to enter an email address, and provide a password, which will enable you to create an account and upload/create videos.
It is important to be aware of online safety, so be careful not to add the property’s full address or your personal contact details. However, it is a good idea to include the property’s road name, city and Howsy contact details for tenants to contact us for more information: – 0330 999 1234 – www.howsy.com
When you have uploaded your video, each upload has a unique shareable link, bespoke to the video. Send this link to your team at Howsy, and we can add your video to your listing on Rightmove and Zoopla.
Don’t worry if you don’t produce a Hollywood classic. Everyone in the country is in this together,
and potential tenants understand that any videos are home made because of the
current circumstances.
As with everything, it is important to ensure that safety is
the primary concern.
As well as ensuring that you are conscious of your internet
safety (don’t identify the property’s full address or yourself in the video),
it is vital that you are maintaining all safe and sensible precautions with
regards to coronavirus.
Full details of the latest government advice on how to manage coronavirus as a landlord, or tenant, is available here, and whilst recording a video is a great marketing tool, you should never do it at the cost of safety. Only attempt this if the property you are recording is entirely empty and you can always practice social distancing.
First and foremost, I hope that you and your loved ones are well. We have all read or used the clichés “unprecented”, “uncertain” and “challenging” times, but the fact remains that none of us have seen anything like this.
As a predominantly online business, we were able to adapt quickly to the government restrictions, so it has largely been business as normal for us apart from the team are almost exclusively remote working.
With the situation changing daily, like everyone, we are monitoring the news closely to see how the government will work to ensure that the nation’s landlords and tenants are protected during this period.
On 29 March, the government published full advice for Landlords and Tenants. On 12 May, this was updated to allow property viewings, prepare properties for renting and move home, effectively restarting the lettings market. Whilst there is no specific mention of social distancing, it goes without saying that it is expected all these activities need to happen whilst maintaining a safe distance from others. There is a lot of reliance on all of us to use our common-sense.
“Our clear plan will enable people to move home safely, covering each aspect of the sales and letting process from viewings to removals…. [and] is based on the latest guidance to ensure the safety and protection of everyone involved. This critical industry can now safely move forward, and those waiting patiently to move can now do so.” – Robert Jenrick MP, Housing Secretary
Protect yourself
Most importantly, make sure you are keeping up to date with government advice. Washing hands, working from home, social distancing – all things that you’ve seen in the news that are important changes for all of us. Whilst it does appear that restrictions are slowly being loosened, for many of us things won’t change immediately.
Protect others
From 10 May, the edict from the government changed from “Stay at home” to “Stay alert”. Whilst there is more that is open to interpretation, the key messages are:
Stay at home as much as possible
Work from home if you can
Limit contact with other people
Stay 2 metres (6ft) away from others
Wash your hands regularly
If you or anyone in your household are showing any symptoms of coronavirus, then you must self-isolate yourself immediately for the protection of those who are most vulnerable. This is incumbent on all of us.
Response times
Our teams are almost exclusively working from home, and
whilst this is not unusual for us as a modern technology company, it is
exceptional that so many of us are working remotely at the same time. As a result, our response times could be
affected. We are trying to prioritise responding to urgent requests or those
from the more vulnerable, so please bear with us if we don’t get back to you
quickly.
However, we are still open 24/7, and we’re on hand to help both landlords and tenants as usual.
As I mentioned, circumstances are changing, and we’re ensuring we’re keeping updated and adapting quickly. We know that the government is never going to be able to provide details to cover all scenarios. So in absence of specifics, we hope decision making and issue resolution will be done with a mixture of common sense, empathy and compassion for all.
If your circumstances have changed and you are struggling to pay your rent, please let us know immediately. Don’t wait until after you get into arrears. We will explain the situation to the landlord, and they may give you more time to pay or agree to a repayment plan, although you may be asked to demonstrate that your ability to pay has changed as a result of coronavirus. A repayment plan means you’ll make smaller payments to your landlord over a longer period of time. You’ll still have to pay everything back – but it could be easier than paying the full amount in one go.
You may also be entitled to benefits to help with housing costs if your income has reduced, even if you’re still working. Whilst there are various groups lobbying for ‘rent holidays’ during the coronavirus crisis, there are no details on any plans to introduce this yet.
It is important to note that your total rent will still be due as normal. Landlords may be willing to make arrangements with tenants to delay or reduce rent payments but they are currently under no obligation to do so. Don’t offer to pay more than you can realistically afford – you could make the problem worse if you can’t keep up with your payments.
However, the Coronavirus Act that became law on 26 March, doesn’t actually ban evictions, it just extends the statutory notice period from two months to three for most renters. In effect it means landlords can still serve notice and claim possession at the end of that period. There may be additional emergency legislation, or the legislation could be extended, but that is unknown at the moment.
The change in law only applies to notices served on or after 26 March. However, for existing possession claims there are likely to be significant delays to hearings as court hearings are also suspended.
Moving out of your property
Legally, you can only end a fixed term tenancy early if either your contract (the ‘AST’) has a break clause or you negotiate an early end to the agreement with your landlord. Please let us know if you want to negotiate an early termination – your landlord may be sympathetic to your request to leave, but bear in mind that they will need to find new tenants to cover their costs too. Whilst the government asked mortgage lenders to make provision for mortgage holidays for landlords, they still need to pay that mortgage – it is a deferment, not a cancellation of their mortgage costs.
Conversely, if your tenancy is due to end soon but you’ll like to stay where you are, please contact us so that we can help negotiate an extension with your landlord.
On 12 May, the government announced that there are now no restrictions on moving house, other than ensuring it is done within social distancing guidelines.
Inspections and Repairs
In line with government guidance from 12 May, inspections and repairs can start again. Landlords also have legal responsibilities to carry out gas safety checks, so they have been continuing to be done. If you are self-isolating, then gas safety checks can be delayed, as long as we have documented the reasons why. Please let us know via email as soon as you enter self-isolation, so that we can ensure the safety of you and any maintenance teams are protected during this time.
Please ensure you practice social distancing if any repairs or legal checks are required at your property during this time.
Working from home
If you are now working from home, make sure you maintain good physical and mental health during this period. Although it is second nature for many, it can be surprisingly challenging, particularly for extended periods. The BBC website has some simple tips which will help. We can provide short term work from home furniture packages on a monthly basis in the London area for £30 a month, click here to find out more.
On 18th March, the government announced that eviction processes are to be suspended for three months, with no possession proceedings taking place during the crisis. The intention was to give all tenants complete security that if they are unable to work, due to social isolation, lock-down or needing to be at home with children, they are safe in their home and do not have to worry about the risk of an eviction.
However, the Coronavirus Act that became law on 26 March, doesn’t actually ban evictions, it just extends the statutory notice period from two months to three for most renters. In effect it means landlords can still serve notice and claim possession at the end of that period. There may be additional emergency legislation, or the legislation could be extended, but that is unknown at the moment.
The change in law only applies to notices served on or after 26 March. However, for existing possession claims there are likely to be significant delays to hearings as court hearings are currently suspended.
The law applies to all reasons for evictions including, for example anti-social behaviour. If you have an anti-social tenant, then the best course of action is to keep in close telephone and email contact with your tenants and neighbours during this difficult time. Try and diffuse any situation as quickly and calmly as you can remotely, especially if the tenant is going to remain in your property. In this situation, it’s best to show constraint and compromise.
Rent arrears
It is likely that some tenants may find themselves unable to work during this time. The government has effectively promised to cover the wages of many workers, but it is still possible that tenants may find themselves facing difficulties paying rent.
The government has urged landlords and tenants to work closely whilst the situation unfolds, and should it be necessary, establish an affordable repayment plan when the tenant’s circumstances return to normal. It is important to be realistic about how this can be managed. Setting a repayment plan that is too high could lead your tenant into long-term financial difficulties which could result in long-term rental arrears for you – simply extending the problem. Please let us know if you want us to help with any drafting of a rental repayment plan. Similarly, if you do agree a plan directly with a tenant, please inform us.
There are rental guarantee insurances available that still protect you against any missed rent payments, and the government has implemented additional measures – such as mortgage breaks – that can ease your burden.
There are a number of rent guarantee insurance products in the market which will cover your rent in the event of rental arrears. Because of the changing situation, the rental protection scheme providers of Howsy’s Rent Guarantee and Guaranteed Rent (as part of our Protect package) have now withdrawn their product to new customers.
You may still be able to find rent guarantee schemes with another provider, but please make sure you check their terms in relation to coronavirus.
You should be aware that any rent guarantee scheme may become redundant as the situation changes. We therefore cannot advise on whether taking up rent guarantee protection is a prudent decision or not.
On 18th March the government announced financial support packages including a three-month mortgage holiday for those whose income was impacted by the virus. From 19th March, mortgage lenders also suspended all possession orders, and will not be starting any new court actions against non-payment of mortgages for 90 days.
For landlords who find themselves with rental income interrupted by tenants who are unable to pay, this could be a real help, allowing a break on either your own personal mortgage, and/or that of your rental property. Be aware that this option may mean your monthly mortgage payment goes up after the payment holiday ends.
You must be up-to-date with mortgage repayments to apply, and be able to prove that your tenant has been directly affected (fallen ill themselves) or indirectly affected (lost their job, financially impacted etc) by the Coronavirus. Contact your individual mortgage provider directly for details of how to implement the break.
It is worth checking to see if you have insurance that will cover your mortgage payments – for example, mortgage payment protection insurance or through your current account – as this may be more cost effective for you.
Renewals, tenant changes and evolving circumstances
On 12 May, government regulations were updated to allow people to move home, as long as they can adhere to social distancing guidelines. If your tenancy was due to end soon, but you and your existing tenant are happy to stay, then please contact us so that we can help negotiate an extension. They may be grateful for the security, and happy to stay in the comfort of a familiar home.
For a tenant wanting to end their tenancy early, while you legally could enforce the terms of the tenancy and claim rent for the remaining period, it may be better to negotiate an end to the tenancy with the tenant or arrange a rent holiday with the tenant. Please show compassion and empathy.
Inspections, repairs and safety checks
In line with updated government guidance, we can restart inspections and non-urgent repairs, as long as it’s possible to adhere to social distancing guidelines.
There is no change to legislation with regards to compliance checks, such as gas and electrical safety – these have always been a requirement. If there is a reason they cannot happen (for example your tenants are self-isolating), then we will document any delays why the checks cannot be carried out and ensure that they are done as soon as reasonably possible when safe to do so. If you arrange these checks yourself, please also document any delays and send to us.
We have continued to fix urgent repairs during this time and this hasn’t changed. If you are arranging any repair work to be done, it is important to stress to any tradespeople and your tenant that government advice surrounding social distancing must always be observed. It is likely that these issues will also take longer than normal to resolve, due to demand and possible difficulty in obtaining parts and labour.
Finding tenants and marketing your property
Even since the initial restrictions since 23rd March, we have seen sustained tenant for future moves. Historically, uncertain economic environments also tends to drive more rentals as people are less likely to buy property. So we expect the lettings market to remain relatively robust overall.
On 12 May, the government lifted restrictions on the lettings market. Effectively immediately, you can now:
Hold property viewings
Prepare properties for renting (e.g. taking photos, inventory)
Move home
Guidelines on social distancing must be adhered to at all times still. If you, your existing tenants or prospective viewers are reluctant to attend a viewing, we can host virtual viewings for you, as well as recording a video walkthrough of your property which we can get on your property advert listing. If you produce your own video, remember that such a video is part of the marketing of the property and falls within consumer protection legislation. It must not contain false images or omit anything that could be a material consideration for a tenant in deciding to let the property. You cannot simply ignore things like broken fixtures, damp or mould in such videos. They must be an honest representation of the property and its facilities.
With much of the country now working from home, more and more of us are finding ourselves at a loss as to how to manage the demands of combining home and work life.
If you are reading this with your laptop balanced precariously on the arm of your sofa, or leaning uncomfortably against a kitchen worktop, fighting for space with the kettle and toaster, the Howsy Concierge team has a solution for you.
Our team can help arrange for a dedicated workspace to be delivered directly to your home. Our series of space-saving workstations are designed to seamlessly fit into the smallest space, and help provide a clean and clear space for you to work-from-home productively, for as long as necessary.
We understand that many people may only be looking for a short-term solution, and have a range of products available instantly, for just three months. All prices include free delivery within five days, installation and a free White Chair. All products are easily cleanable.
Larry Desk
Larry Desk
White Chair
Months Subscription
3
6
12
Cost per month
£30
£25
£21
Price includes free delivery within 5 days + Installation + White Chair*. (London area only).
Charles Desk with drawer
Charles desk with drawer
White Chair
Months subscription
3
6
12
Cost per month
£39
£30
£25
Price includes free delivery within 5 days + Installation + White Chair*. (London area only).
What if my needs change?
As well as providing you with great looking home office, the benefits of Howsy Concierge mean that you can switch up the look of your furniture when the seasons change! With new looks being introduced all the time, we can switch your old Howsy Concierge furniture and deliver you a new set at the end of your term. Collection and delivery are free, so there’s no additional cost to keep your look fresh, and your desk fresher!
I love the desk! Can I keep the furniture?
Howsy Concierge is a furniture rental service, so generally speaking you don’t keep the furniture, although on our 12-month plan, the much-loved White Chair is free to keep. Our styles change all the time, and there may even be a desk you love more just around the corner, many Howsy Concierge customers love the service as a great way to experiment with the look of their property every few months! However, if you find that your desk and chair fit your property so perfectly you simply can’t let them go, speak to the team and we can provide a final payment quote.
How do I get started?
Howsy Concierge is a furniture rental service, so we have to tick the box to make sure you are suitable to proceed before signing up. As a Howsy customer, the checks we conducted when you signed up with us should cover this off, so there should be nothing holding us back from getting started. If there are any additional paperwork, it shouldn’t take any time at all and can all be carried out remotely, our team will be happy to help
If you’re fed up sitting on the carpet, working on the coffee table, contact the Howsy Concierge Team today on concierge@howsy.com to see how we can help.
Terms and Conditions
The *White Chair is provided at no additional charge. The White Chair is free to keep on our 12-month plan or we’ll collect it as normal for free, along with the desk, on our 3 or 6 month plan. Please note this is a furniture rental plan. Unless specifically stated all furniture will be collected (for free) at the end of the term. All offers are subject to availability and approval.
Don’t speak too soon, but there are signs that spring may finally be on it’s way…
As people’s thoughts turn to hazy summer evenings in the garden
and plenty of Bank Holiday’s coming up, this time of year traditionally sees a significant
increase in lettings activity, as tenants look to start planning a move.
But, as the market picks up, what can you do to make sure
that your property stands out online? Check out our top tips for maximising your
property’s potential this spring!
Set to the spring cleaning!
Freshening up a property before letting is always a good idea.
Once your existing tenants have moves out, it’s wise to take a critical look at
the property, empty is you can, and see if there are any areas that could do with
a little attention. A lick of paint or some fresh sealant in a bathroom can make
a huge difference, and lift a property from looking a little tired, to
sparkling new again.
In a busy market, making sure your property looks as good as
it can is key. It is unlikely that a tenant will want to settle for a slightly
scruffy option, if there is a property down the road that is as neat as a new
pin. A little time now can save plenty spent languishing on the portals!
Don’t neglect the garden
If your outside space survived the recent storms, it is likely
to be in need of a little post-winter TLC. A great harden is a huge plus point
for many tenants, so if you have outside space, make sure it is working as hard
as it can for you. Before any photographs are taken, make sure that the grass
is freshly cut, shrubs are trimmed and any leaves swept up – and if there is
space that is ideal for a table or BBQ it can be a good idea to pop one in
place, to suggest how the space can be used.
Make the most of your hard work
Once your property is looking at it’s very best, it is important
to show it off! Think of your portal advert as an online shop window – a great
set of professional photos will really help showcase your property, whereas a
fuzzy mobile phone shot (possibly with added thumb) might not have quite the same
impact!
A professional photographer will understand exactly how to
frame the perfect image, showing off exactly the details that your prospective
tenant will need to see. Nobody needs to see a loo on an advert, but plenty may
be interested in whether there is a shower or bath…
This time of year is a great time for capturing images. Throughout
the winter everything can look a little dark, drab and miserable, but with bright
sunshine streaming through the windows, your property (and garden!) will look
great.
Sell the lifestyle in your description
Creating the perfect description for your advert can feel
like a bit of a mountain to climb… there’s so much to say, but you don’t want
to waffle!
Don’t forget that your tenant is likely to have found your property
through a search feature, discounting anything that does not meet their
non-negotiable requirements.
A short list of key features highlights the immediate ‘need
to knows’, such as bedroom/bathroom numbers, location and parking availability,
however there is plenty of scope to go into more detail.
Your description is a great place to highlight anything that
really makes your property stand out from the crowd, and help sell your prospective
tenants the lifestyle that they could enjoy if they lived there. For example, if
there’s a great local park right next door, mention it. If there’s a private
south-facing garden that gets the sun all day, you’ve got a huge selling point.
If you are smack-bang on top of an Underground station making commuting into central
London a breeze, let them know.
Take advantage of longer days
With your property looking great, and your advert showcasing
what a dream lifestyle can be had living there, you’ll soon have people queuing
up to view.
With the clocks going forward at the end of the month, we’ll
soon have an extra hour of the day to utilise. As evenings get lighter, you can
make the most of this extra time by conducting viewings in the evenings, outside
of working hours, and still get the benefit of them seeing the property in the daylight,
when it’s looking it’s very best.
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