It's official, we can go back to work!

It has been a long, stressful wait but we made it! Estate agents can all now return to work.

We have answered the most pressing questions that will no doubt pop up as soon as the relief has settled in...

Question 1: Can residential and commercial estate agents go back to work in Alert Level 3?

Yes, all estate agents can get back to business as usual with the necessary safety precautions in place.

Question 2: Are there exclusions on the type of work that estate agents can do?

There are no exclusions except that where you are able to work from home, you need to do so. As well as strict compliance with health protocols and social distancing measures.

Question 3: What are the specific exclusions for the rental market?

The Specific Economic Exclusions are listed in Table 2 on page 15 of the Alert Level 3 Regulations which was gazetted on the 28^th of May 2020.

These exclusions include, in point 3: 'short-term home sharing/ letting/leasing or rental for leisure purposes.'

Question 4: Can tenants move?

Yes, but the movement of persons between provinces, metropolitan areas and districts and hotspots is prohibited except if you are moving into a new place of residence, in which case you must be in possession of the affidavit referred to as Form 6 in the Regulations. The affidavit needs to be signed by a Justice of the Peace or Commissioner of Oaths.

Question 5: Can landlords now evict tenants?

A competent court my grant an order of eviction provided that the order of eviction may be suspended until the last day of the Alert Level 3 period unless a court decides that it is not just and equitable to stay and suspend the order.

We will be back in full swing in no time as an industry. Stay safe!

https://blog.tpn.co.za/2020/05/its-official-estate-agents-can-go-back.html