6th January 2021 – COVID Update

Web-Covid-update

A COVID update was not our planned first news post of 2021 – it’s not the start to the year that any of us would have hoped for. However, all of us here at At Home In Edinburgh have a lot to be thankful for, including all our wonderful landlords and tenants – and we wish you and yours a happy New Year.

We are open during lockdown

As of yesterday, 5th January, all of mainland Scotland is under lockdown, with enhanced Level 4 restricitions. We continue to follow guidance from the Scottish Association of Landlords, who are working closely with the Scottish Government. The government guidelines issued this week indicate that the Scottish property letting sector can remain open, with all precautions in place and staff working from home unless unavoidable. We’ll let you know here, and on our social media channels, if there are any changes to this guidance.

Contact us by phone or email, as usual

The First Minister has asked all businesses to support staff in working from home wherever possible. Our office will therefore now remain closed, unless by prior appointment. However, we will still be contactable by phone and email during this period. We would be grateful for your patience,  as we may not be able to respond as quickly as usual.

What does this COVID update guidance mean for me?

Home moves and viewings

People can still move home. However, it is advisable to postpone viewings of properties and delay home moves, where this is possible. We will not be undertaking viewings in occupied properties.

Repairs and maintenance

Tradespeople may still go into a property to carry out essential work or deliver an essential service. Examples include:

  • to carry out utility (electricity, gas, water, telephone, broadband) safety checks, repairs, maintenance and installations
  • to carry out repairs and maintenance that would otherwise threaten the household’s health and safety
  • to deliver, install or repair key household furniture and appliances such as washing machines, fridges and cookers
  • to support a home move, for example furniture removal.

Safety checks

Safety checks should continue to take place, to obtain safety certificates.

Property inspections

Routine inspections are not essential and should be postponed until the area is removed from Level 4 restrictions. We will continue with our remote tenant self-inspection checklists.

Short Term Rentals

All holiday accommodation is closed to tourism. Self-catering, hotels, and bed and breakfasts can remain open for essential customers only. This includes:

  • anyone using accommodation for work purposes
  • attending a funeral, marriage, or civil partnership
  • anyone unable to return to their main residence
  • anyone needing accommodation while moving home

We’re here to support you

Our team is here to support you through these challenging times – please get in touch with us if you have any questions at all. Please follow our social media channels for any future updates – find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram. We’ll also update this page.

For now, please stay at home, stay safe, and look out for each other.