Responding to the COVID crisis with Virtual viewings and Valuations

byTrevor Hames

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Right from the outset, our primary concern is the safety and wellbeing of tenants, staff, and contractors.

Staff have seamlessly started working from home

Working remotely was relatively easy with cloud-based lettings software and as we are already using the VOIP phone system. Combine this with twice daily Staff Zoom meetings, and we continue offering our usual high standard of service. We have retained all our staff. However, our field consultant for physical viewings is on furlough, until it's safe for physical viewings.

Stay at home fun for children

To counter the loneliness of working from home, we have introduced the 'terrible shirt Tuesday' and 'fun hat Friday'. It's always fun when children share what they have been up to at home!

Good News for tenants

With such an excellent loyal team of contractors, we have continued with essential maintenance, including gas safety certificates.

Our tenants are encouraged to report all repairs using the Report a Problem link on the Tenants page of our web site. A virtual service link means even their non-essential repairs can be booked now. And the service is on the top of the list of jobs contractors will have once the lockdown ends.

We thank our tenants for timely rents

Despite challenges tenants face today, only a handful of our tenants, in over the 500 occupants, struggled to pay their rent.

We are so grateful to all our tenants for working with us to achieve this.

More great news

With the use of virtual video tours, we are continuing to let the few remaining available properties. Only yesterday we had five enquires for one property, so we can gladly say the demand is high.

Rental valuations are in virtual ways

With a number of our competitors having furloughed almost all their staff, we think this is an excellent time to take on more managed properties with the use of virtual valuations and videos.

Virtual property viewings are now available through the use of Zoom video conferencing. A designated team member will show prospective tenants around a new or existing CPL landlord's property virtually, to ensure that all parties adhere to social distancing measures, whilst progressing towards a successful letting.

We can also complete free virtual lettings valuations via video call, whereby we take into account all property features and its location to offer advice on what to expect with regards to regular costs and rental returns. All virtual valuations are recorded and organised through Calendly's intuitive online appointment scheduling software.

Looking ahead

At Cambridge Property lettings, we have been looking after landlords, tenants and their homes for 25 years. Ahead lie uncharted waters which are going to be turbulent for us all. We will continue to strive to keep a steady hand on the helm and adjust our course to continue our journey of giving tenants a lovely home and looking after landlords valuable assets.

Finally, here's an example of heartwarming generosity from one of our landlords to their tenants who both work at Addenbrokes Hospital.

Dear (tenants)
We hope you and your little boy are keeping well in these 'strange' times.
We know you are both working very hard. So by way of a thank you and in recognition of your work, we would like to waive your rent for May 2020.
Take care

Hunkering down is not an option

Businesses never flatline for long. You either dip and start failing or rise and grow stronger. We at Cambridge Property Lettings are determined to use this time to grow and offer an even better service to landlords and tenants.

Chat with us anytime, or book your free virtual valuation or viewing at https://www.cambridgepropertylettings.co.uk