Some clarity around practical matters for real estate agents, landlords and tenants, vendors and buyers is being sought by the Real Estate Institute of Victoria through the Coronavirus pandemic.

REIV CEO Gil King has contacted Consumer Affairs Victoria on behalf of all stakeholders to discuss conducting inspections safely through to medium-term issues like dealing with rental arrears.

Some of the matters raised include:

• Urgent and non-urgent repairs in a tenanted property
• The application of the Residential Tenancies Act and Retail Leases Act as they apply to property maintenance, during the current state of emergency where access to tradespeople will be limited.
• Rental arrears
• Some tenants may find themselves in financial difficulty, which could impact their ability to meet their rental obligations. On the other hand, many landlords rely on the rental income to repay mortgages or support their day to day expenses.
• This extends to commercial properties where many tenants may not be able to meet lease obligations, and property owners will experience shortfalls in cashflows.

Conducting the business of real estate 

Property inspections, negotiations and auctions are all part of everyday real estate business.

Social distancing requirements will challenge the way agents fulfill their obligations to clients and customers. 

Mr King said the REIV is also seeking advice from the Victorian Government on any support measures planned for the sector.

“We are aware that the banks have been urged by the government to implement a responsible approach to defaults on mortgages and loans during this critical time,” said Mr King.  

“As a sector, real estate is dominated by small businesses that will be tested during this period.

“Most REIV Members have proactively contacted their clients, updated procedures in offices to minimise person-to-person contact and implemented a series of hygiene initiatives.

"We applaud these measures by the real estate sector.”

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