Reduced capacity of Victorian estate agents to conduct by appointment open houses
There is further reduced capacity of Victorian estate agents to conduct by appointment open houses.
The chief health officer banned private inspections of occupied homes listed for sale or rent.
The new ban was issued late on Thursday.
It advised there is no exemption for tenants or occupants to temporarily vacate their place of residence to facilitate inspections.
Agents had previously been allowed to take buyers or renters through as long as social distancing guidelines were met – but this has been deemed insufficient.
Agents must no longer conduct public or in-person private inspections of tenanted or occupied properties.
This is because it will not be possible for agents, prospective owners or tenants, and existing tenants to each comply with their legal requirements under the current Directions from the Chief Health Officer.
These directions include requirements:
- to maintain the required level of social distancing
- to ensure homes are cleaned and disinfected before and after each inspection, and
- for all Victorians to stay at home except in the four, limited circumstances (to buy needed supplies, for medical or caring reasons, for work or study, or for exercise).
There is no exemption for tenants or occupants to temporarily vacate their place of residence to facilitate inspections.
Previously the Consumer Affairs website said the department “encourages” inspections to be delayed until the property is vacant.
Occupied properties means all properties where someone is currently living, the Consumer Affairs department advised.
“We’re dumbfounded by the move,” Ms Leah Calnan, the REIV president said.
“Victoria has been very heavy handed about this when other states still allow these inspections to go ahead."
The government reaffirmed its message that people should stay home.
“There are only four reasons to leave your home: food and supplies, medical care or caregiving, exercise and work or education,” a spokesperson said.