Q. I am renting out a flat (which is currently empty) and a couple have asked that they be given the keys so they can visit on their own saying that they think it would be safer as it is difficult to maintain social distancing in a small flat. Is this a good idea?

A. Unless you really know and trust these people, no it is not a good idea.  They could be criminals who will then copy your keys and then advertise the property themselves and show round applicants for tenancies. It is not unknown for several ‘tenants’ to turn up at a property having paid over rent and deposit money and signed a tenancy agreement, only to find that they have been scammed.

Landlords and agents should never allow anyone to take away the keys of a property unaccompanied. Safety issues can be dealt with by keeping a distance of at least two metres or if this is impossible, being in different rooms during the viewing. All surfaces should be cleaned regularly and doors, and ideally also windows, should be left open to prevent infection.

If this is impossible, then the agent or landlord could even remain outside the property while the applicants go in on their own (although strictly speaking this is inadvisable too – they could slam the door and refuse to come out!).  

However, as long as the Government guidance is followed carefully, people should be safe – the guidance can be found at www.gov.uk/guidance/government-advice-on-home-moving-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak

Q. My property is empty at the moment as our tenants are not due to move in for a couple of months and as I am self-isolating, I am not able to visit it regularly. I am worried that scammers could seek to let the property while it is empty or that it could be targeted by squatters. What can I do to prevent this happening?