Real estate never sleeps, so just because the world is battling a pandemic it does not mean you have to put the search for your dream home on hold, nor do landlords have to forgo inspecting their assets.
However, with Coronavirus impacting Australian states and territories in different ways, authorities have issued a range of guidelines when it comes to real estate.
So, here is a breakdown of rules you may have to follow for house inspections and open homes.
Masks are currently mandatory in metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire. Picture: Getty
1. You must wear a mask in Victoria
As of July 23, in Victoria wearing masks has become mandatory within metropolitan Melbourne and Mitchell Shire.
This means regardless of whether you are an agent, home buyer, renter or landlord, if you are visiting a property in these areas you must be wearing a face covering of some kind, for example a scarf, medical mask, face shield or bandanna.
This is not negotiable, and agents have the right to deny you entry if you do not follow this rule.
However, there are several exemptions including children under the age of 12, and anyone with a medical condition who is carrying documentation, like a medical certificate.
In regional Victoria it is recommended you cover up, but it is not enforced.
Masks are not mandatory in other states and territories, but people in New South Wales have been asked to consider wearing a face covering if they are in a hotspot area.
Can the government force you to wear a mask?
Yes. In Victoria, the government has put a State of Emergency in place, which gives the Chief Health Officer the power to issue public health orders – like wearing masks – that become law and can be enforced.
If the directive is not followed it can be punished with a fine of $200 and if you fail to cooperate with police you could be arrested or detained.
Is wearing a mask a violation of my rights in Victoria?
The requirement to wear a mask in Victoria has been controversial for some with a small minority of people claiming it is a human rights breach.
However, the Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission has issued a statement saying the mandatory mask policy is a viable legal directive.
“The Victorian Charter requires public authorities – such as Victoria Police or the Department for Health and Human Services – to take proactive steps to safeguard rights, which includes the right to life,” the commission states.
“Directions given to wear a face covering, and to ensure compliance with this directive, are appropriate steps being taken to protect the health of all Victorians and are in keeping with the human rights responsibilities of these organisations.”
How does wearing a mask help stop the spread of Covid-19?
Face masks are not a fool-proof plan of attack, but they are a simple and effective measure to reduce the virus from spreading.
Respiratory viruses like Coronavirus spread through tiny droplets that we expel from our mouth and nose.
Studies have shown these droplets can travel further than you think – especially if they are travelling at fast speed – for example when we sneeze or cough
So, when we wear a mask it simply acts as a net catching a lot of that fluid before it starts travelling through the air.
The takeaway is that masks are not necessarily used to stop you from getting Coronavirus, although they can minimise the risk.
In actual fact, masks stop infected people from spreading the virus by trapping most of the bad stuff before it gets into the air we breathe.
This is a view supported by the scientific and medical community around the world, which is why the World Health Organisation, Australian Government and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are among the bodies that support masks as a measure to fight Covid-19.
2. No face-to-face inspections and open homes for Victoria
With Stage 3 restrictions currently in place in Victoria there is also strict rules about open houses and carrying out inspections.
Firstly, there is technically no more open houses, which previously meant anyone could just show up on the day.
Now, you can view the property online using a digital inspection, then you can schedule an appointment to walk through the property privately.
Agents are permitted to be in attendance and must enforce strict social distancing and hygiene practices during the visit.
When it comes to rental inspections there is also new rules in Victoria.
It is advised if anyone is attending a rental property like an agent, landlord or tradesman they must wear a mask.
However, if possible, all non-urgent visits should be postponed, or inspections carried out digitally.
If a landlord wants to conduct repairs that are non-urgent or an inspection that can be done at a later date the tenant can write to the property manager and request it be done at another time.
If this is not possible and someone must attend a rental, then it is recommended tenants try and schedule their daily exercise or shopping trip to coincide with the visit to minimise close contact.
These restrictions are due to end on August 16, but may be extended if the state government deems it not safe to return to normal.
3. Abide by the social distancing rules.
The good news is in states other than Victoria the rules have been relaxed and open houses and house inspections have almost returned to normal.
There are still some social distancing requirements in place that are detailed below.
New South Wales
As of May 15, the NSW Government is allowing home inspections and for people to visit display homes.
However, there must be at least 4 sqm of space for each person.
Hand sanitizer is also to be provided at entries and exits, and people with flu-like symptoms should not enter.
For rental properties it is recommended non-essential repairs and visits be delayed or carried out digitally if possible.
Western Australia
Infection rates are extremely low in Perth, so the state has relaxed much more than others.
Phase 4 restrictions that stipulate social distancing measures of 1 person per 2 sqm, were due to end on July 22. However, these have been extended to August 1 when the government may again consider dropping the rule.
Queensland
Auctions and open houses were given the green light to go ahead in June with a 20-person limit.
This has since increased to 50, but visits must be contactless with agents not allowed to issue brochures.
When it comes to rental inspections social distancing is recommended, for example not shaking hands, and hand sanitizer should be used before and after the visit.
It is also recommended tenants open windows before a repairman or agent attends the property.
South Australia
Open houses can go ahead in South Australia, but there is a limit of 1 person per 2 sqm.
If visiting a property landlords and repairmen must abide by social distancing rules and tenants may be asked to leave the house during the visit to minimise contact.
Northern Territory
Since May open homes and rental property visits have returned to normal.
It is recommended clients, landlords and homebuyers adopt social distancing measures where possible.
Australian Capital Territory
Open houses and auctions have returned to normal in the state’s capital, but there is a limit of 100 people and they must abide by the 1-person-per-4 sqm rule.
4. You must provide personal details
In Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia, and Victoria agents must keep details including name, address, and mobile phone number of anyone that visits a property.
These will be kept for a minimum eight weeks and handed to the state’s health authorities and contact tracing teams if an agent is alerted by the health authorities.
The post House Inspection and Open Homes Rules during Covid-19 appeared first on realestate.com.au.