Reflecting on changes made by the UK government on the back on the Omicron variant, Propertymark has updated its Coronavirus: how to stay safe and prevent the spread guidance available to its members.

Changes that impact agents’ practices include:

Isolation rules

Changes have been made by the UK Government to household rules if individuals are vaccinated or unvaccinated and if contact has been made with others. New rules also come into force today, 11 January 2022 for those that aren’t showing symptoms but get a positive lateral flow as they will now not need to take a confirmatory PCR and instead, automatically isolate.

Face coverings

Since the start of December, face coverings have been required by law in most indoor settings with estate and letting agents listed by the UK Government as places where you must wear a face covering when dealing with members of the public. Face coverings are strongly recommended on viewings.

Visitors to offices

Agents should ensure that signage is visible in brand and/or other communications are promoted to advise visitors that face coverings should be worn.

Quarantine rules

On 9 January 2022, the UK government updated its guidance on travel to England which now requires automatic self-isolation for unvaccinated people entering the country and changes to what COVID-19 tests are required: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/travel-to-england-from-another-country-during-coronavirus-covid-19

Right to Rent

Adjusted checks remain in place until 6 April 2022 when landlords and letting agents in England will revert to face-to-face and physical document checks.

In December, the Home Office announced that they recognise the benefits of the adjusted checking process and from April will enable landlords to use certified Identification Document Validation Technology (IDVT) service providers to carry out digital identity checks on their behalf for many who are not in scope to use the Home Office online services, including British and Irish citizens.

Ventilation

Following the Housing Minister’s letter to landlords in December 2021, advice has also been included on how to ensure good ventilation in properties to help reduce transmission of COVID-19.

Timothy Douglas, policy and campaigns manager at Propertymark, commented: “Propertymark wants to ensure that our members are equipped with the most up to date and valuable information in order to help them, their colleagues and their clients stay safe and limit the spread of COVID-19.

“Compliance with any new changes is crucial for agents and we would advise all our members to familiarise themselves with our updated best practice guidance so that they can play their part in the country’s recovery from the pandemic.”