Viewings We, Manchester Student Homes, understand that you and your friends may be excited in searching for next year’s student house. Areas that currently fall under Tier 3 restrictions (Greater Manchester) have not restricted viewings or house moves but landlords and estate agents may be reluctant or unwilling to conduct physical viewings because people should not be meeting anyone outside their household. Students’ safety is the first priority of our accredited accommodation providers. You should use virtual viewings before visiting properties in person where possible, in order to minimise public health risks. We understand that there are situations where physical viewings may be necessary. The best approach to viewings is to look at photos and videos/ video walk-throughs of the property you’re interested in in the first instance. If there are none, call/ email the landlord and ask them to email them over to you. Then if you are interest in seeing the property request a real-time virtual viewing using platform such as Facetime, Whatsapp or Zoom – this will give you and your future housemates a better idea of what the home is like. This approach is beneficial if you and your future housemates are not currently a household. A physical viewing should only be arranged if you are really keen on the property and virtual viewings have taken place. All viewings should take place by appointment and only involve members of a single household, and in groups of no more than 6. Any visits to a property must be made in accordance with government guidelines on professionals carrying out work in people’s homes and guidelines on protecting yourself and others. More information is available in the guidance on moving home during the coronavirus (Covid-19) period in England. Any advice on the measures that remain in place in a local area should also be observed. If a physical viewing is offered, please bear in mind that all the usual Covid-19 rules apply to property viewings: social distancing, the wearing of face coverings, and hand and surface sanitising. If any member of either the household where a viewing is taking place or the household undertaking a viewing is showing symptoms of Covid-19 or is self-isolating, then a physical viewing should be delayed.
Top Tips on Viewing 1. If possible, make all tenancy applications and contract sign-ups online. The landlord/ agent can use links for you to upload documentation. If they do not have their own website you can suggest one of the following:
Drop Box Google Drive WeTransfer (but uploads are only available for up to 1 week)
This will reduce the need to meet in person.
2. Keep viewings of occupied properties virtual where possible. 3. Ensure that the landlord/ agent has keep appointments at intervals. 4. Ensure that your group consists of no more than 6 people (from the same current household) regardless of whether the property is vacant or occupied. 5. When undertaking viewings in empty properties, the landlord/ agent should spray and wipe door handles with a sanitiser after each viewing. 6. Landlords/ agents should leave doors open in vacant properties or arrange for current tenants to do so when viewings are undertaken, and that windows are opened prior to you arrival to ensure ventilation. You should avoid touching surfaces where possible. Sanitise your hands following a viewing. 7. So as to avoid introducing a third household into a property, the landlord/ agent should remain outside the property while viewings are underway. If the property is occupied, and if possible, ask the landlord/ agent if the occupants are able to wait outside the property while viewing is undertaken. If security is a concern the viewing will have to take place remotely. 8. All participants should wear masks and observe social distancing. 9. Ensure that on the day of the viewing you and your household are all well and have no temperature or Covid-19 symptoms. 10. Landlords/ agents should not offer business cards, share pens or pass leaflets or brochures to you. It is safer to ask for a link to online brochures and information. If you would like any further advice or information, please do not hesitate to contact us at manchesterstudenthomes@manchester.ac.uk.