Local Restrictions
You may be aware that the government has introduced new local COVID alert levels in order to manage outbreaks of Covid-19. We anticipate that this approach to managing the pandemic will likely continue throughout the next few months. The national guidance with regards to house moving remains the same, which means that Energy Assessors can continue to visit properties for the purposes of energy assessments. However, we would advise that members at least consider local restrictions which could state otherwise.
Wales Lockdown (6pm Friday 23 October - Monday 9 November 2020)
The Welsh Government has issued the following advice related to home moving during this short lockdown period:
Can I move home?
Yes, if you can’t delay the moving date until after the short lockdown period is over. Associated activities, for example, removals processes, property preparation, handover of keys, surveys and valuations can also take place in line with guidance on working in other people’s homes.
Can home viewings take place?
No. Property viewings cannot take place during the circuit breaker period and high street estate agencies are required to close. Virtual viewings can continue.
Can a mortgage survey be done at my property?
Surveyors/Energy Assessors should not enter occupied properties during the lockdown period. Vacant properties can be entered and street level surveys can take place.
The full statement from the Welsh Government can be found here
England
MHCLG has released a Coronavirus (Covid-19): Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) Guidance. This document provides advice on meeting the regulatory requirement to secure a valid EPC during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak. It is important to note that this updated advice applies only In England.
In summary;
- Energy Assessors are free to visit properties to carry out assessments. Assessors should follow the latest government guidance for working in other people’s homes. Where assessments are carried out, all public health guidance on social distancing must be followed. Companies should ensure employees understand how to operate safely and communicate this to customers.
- Assessors should contact the owners of the property to be assessed prior to the assessment to make sure they understand which areas will be assessed and ensure that all doors and access panels are open and surfaces have been cleaned with household cleaning products in line with public health advice. During a visit, members of the household should follow social distancing guidance, staying 2 metres away wherever possible, for example by staying in another room.
- No work should be carried out by a person who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild or anyone who has been asked to self-isolate.
- Assessors should wash their hands immediately upon entering the property, using separate towels or paper towels which need to be washed or disposed of safely after use.
The Home Moving guidance that applies in England can be read in full here. Please also read EPC Guidance for Covid-19 which applies in both England and Wales.
Scotland
- Energy Assessors involved in preparing the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) are free to visit properties and should follow the latest guidance for employers and businesses on Covid-19.
- Energy Assessors should contact the household in advance to check that no member of the household is showing symptoms of COVID-19 or self-isolating. If they are, assessments should be delayed.
- Energy Assessors should also ensure that property occupiers understand which areas will be assessed, including external areas, and ensure that all doors and access panels are open and surfaces have been cleaned with household cleaning products in line with public health advice.
- Energy Assessors should disinfect their equipment between visits. They should also encourage households to ensure all internal doors are open and surfaces have been cleaned with standard household cleaning products prior to them entering the property.
- no work should be carried out by a person who has Covid-19 symptons (regardless of how mild), or by anyone who has been asked to self isolate.
- Members of the household, where possible, should vacate the property during an assessment. If not, Energy Assessors and occupiers should follow government guidelines on physical distancing and the use of face coverings.
- Energy Assessors should wash their hands using soap and water or use hand sanitiser before entering the property. If surveyors need to wash their hands in the property, separate towels or paper towels should be provided at the property and washed or disposed of safely after use.
- Energy Assessors should be clear in any assessments/reports about areas which they weren’t able to inspect due to public health limitations.
The full Covid-19 home moving guidance released by Scottish Government, can be accessed here.
Northern Ireland
The document released by the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland, ‘Advice on home moving during Covid-19’, provides guidance on how everyone involved in the home move process must adjust their processes to ensure a safe return to market activity. There is a specific section within this document for Energy Assessors and Surveyors which confirms the following:
- Surveyors and Energy Assessors are free to visit properties to carry out surveys/valuations. Surveys/valuations could be in relation to any property transaction such as a sale, purchase, letting or renting or obtaining a mortgage or further advance or buying a further interest or share in a home or for any other purpose. Surveyors should follow the latest government guidance on social distancing and guidance provided by their professional or representative bodies. Companies should ensure employees understand how to operate safely and communicate this to customers.
- Surveyors and Energy Assessors should contact the owners of the property to be surveyed prior to the survey to make sure they understand which areas will be surveyed and ensure that all doors and access panels are open and
surfaces have been cleaned with standard household cleaning products in line with public health advice. If it is not appropriate for occupiers to vacate the property, measures should be put in place to ensure physical contact is minimised during the survey.
- No work should be carried out by a person who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild or by anyone who has been asked to self isolate.
- Surveyors should wash their hands immediately upon entering the property, using separate towels or paper towels which need to be washed or disposed of safely after use.
- Surveyors should be clear in any reports about areas which they were nable to inspect due to public health limitations.
The full home moving advice from Northern Ireland's Deaprtment for Communities is available here.
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