We are pleased to advise that recent Government restrictions regarding property inspections have been overturned and we can continue to conduct private inspections of occupied premises under a strict set of health and safety provisions (including increased sanitation, wearing gloves, not touching anything and social distancing).

In accordance with the current CAV guidelines, private inspections of an occupied/tenanted residential property are permitted to be organised. An inspection is only permitted where an estate agent and one other person (the person for whom the inspection is organised by private appointment) are present at the premises. An inspection where an estate agent, the prospective tenant/purchaser and a resident of the premises are all present is not permitted. In this case the resident of the premises will have to leave the premises, and should do so for a reason permitted under the SAHD ( to obtain necessary goods or services, for care and other compassionate reasons, to attend work or education or to exercise).

With the safety of our community, our customers, and their families being paramount, should you wish to view a property exclusively with one of our agents, we ask you to observe our Open for Inspection policy below.

If you do attend a private inspection, please:

• limit the number of people attending the inspection to one person.
• Refrain from physical greetings.
• Please refrain from touching surfaces within the property.
• Maintain a comfortable distance (at least 1.5m) from the Abercromby's sales agent.

We ask that you refrain from attending property inspections if

• You have any flu like symptoms.
• Fever.
• Cough.
• Shortness of breath.
• Breathing difficulties.
• If you have travelled overseas or been in contact with someone who has returned from overseas in the last 14 days.
• Recently been in contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19.

Due to the regularly changing nature of circumstances in Victoria, we will update this information as often as possible.

Please contact us if you have any questions about buying, selling or leasing. Abercromby's is here to support you, as we work through these difficult times.

We are taking measures for the health and safety of our Landlords, Tenants and Staff, including making updates to the way we handle important aspects of property management

How can I contact my Property Manager or the Office?

Due to the contagious nature of COVID-19, Abercromby's will not be accepting walk-ins at our office. Our staff are currently operating remotely from home and remain contactable through email and phone on 9864 5353. We are here to respond to your ongoing needs. We remain committed to providing quality service and achieving the best results for our clients in the current climate.

Does this situation change any of my rights?

Although the situation is changing rapidly, tenants and landlords must continue to abide by the Residential Tenancies Act 1997. We are currently awaiting announcements from the Government specifically regarding tenants and landlords. The following website will have the most up to date information about any tenancy changes during this time.

CAV - Coronavirus and Tenants Rights: https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/resources-and-tools/advice-in-a-disaster/coronavirus-covid19-and-your-rights

Rental hardship

If you’re experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID 19, please ensure that you contact your Property Manager as soon as possible to discuss the options available.

Here are some useful links:

https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/services/centrelink/rent-assistance
https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/individuals/news/more-financial-support-coronavirus-affected-job-seekers
https://treasury.gov.au/coronavirus

Maintenance

Tenants should submit all maintenance requests to their Property Managers as usual.

All urgent repairs will be conducted as needed. For non-urgent repairs, there may be delays during the pandemic as some of our regular trades will be unavailable

Routine inspections

We have temporarily changed how our routine inspections are done. We have postponed all face to face routine inspections. They will now be conducted via an online process. Your Property Manager will contact you if this is the case.

Open for Inspections for Vacant Properties

Due to recent Federal Government restrictions all property inspections will now be conducted as a one-on-one private appointment, coupled with the appropriate safeguards as recommended by health authorities (increased sanitation, wearing gloves, not touching anything and social distancing). We welcome you to make a time with us should you wish to view a property exclusively with our Business Development Manager Myles Crowhurst on 0433 916 155

If you do attend a private inspection, please:

• limit the number of people attending the inspection to one person at a time.
• Refrain from physical greetings.
• Please refrain from touching surfaces within the property.
• Maintain a comfortable distance (at least 1.5m) from the Abercromby's agent.

We ask that you refrain from attending property inspections if

• You have any flu like symptoms.
• Fever.
• Cough.
• Shortness of breath.
• Breathing difficulties.
• If you have travelled overseas or been in contact with someone who has returned from overseas in the last 14 days.
• Recently been in contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19.

Thank you for your cooperation with these adjustments to the way Abercromby’s must operate during these challenging times.

Please note that any advice contained in this article is of a general nature only and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular person. Therefore, before making any decision, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice with regard to those matters. Information in this article is correct as of the date of publication and is subject to change.

Due to recent Federal Government restrictions all property inspections will now be conducted as a one-on-one private appointment, coupled with the appropriate safeguards as recommended by health authorities (increased sanitation, wearing gloves, not touching anything and social distancing).

We welcome you to make a time with us should you wish to view a property exclusively with one of our agents. The health and safety of our clients, the community and our staff is very important to us. To that end, we ask you to observe our Open for Inspection policy below.

If you do attend a private inspection, please:

• limit the number of people attending the inspection to one person at a time.
• Refrain from physical greetings.
• Please refrain from touching surfaces within the property.
• Maintain a comfortable distance (at least 1.5m) from the Abercromby's sales agent.

We ask that you refrain from attending property inspections if

• You have any flu like symptoms.
• Fever.
• Cough.
• Shortness of breath.
• Breathing difficulties.
• If you have travelled overseas or been in contact with someone who has returned from overseas in the last 14 days.
• Recently been in contact with someone diagnosed with Covid-19.

All upcoming auctions will either be conducted via an online service or converted to an Expression of Interest or Private Sale.

Please contact us if you have any questions about buying, selling or leasing. Abercromby's is here to support you, as we work through these difficult times.