Property owners: your questions about the coronavirus crisis

In light of the coronavirus crisis, here are the questions you, as property owners, ask most frequently.
First of all, we would like to reassure you that we are continuing to work. 
Of course, the lockdown measures are forcing us to slow down and rethink how we work. However, we have implemented all the necessary digital measures and pooled our creativity to continue marketing our properties for sale and rent. Thanks to our cutting-edge technology, prospective tenants or buyers can view your property from the comfort of their sofa. They can therefore make an offer remotely, ensuring that no one misses out on a property they fall in love with! You can enjoy this virtual experience by visiting our offices, for example.

Let us return to the rules introduced in the property sector during this health crisis. Here is what you need to know:

Are we still conducting viewings?

No. As explained above, the latest regulations introduced by the government no longer allow us to conduct property viewings, whether for lettings or sales. However, every measure has been taken to give prospective tenants and buyers the most realistic view possible.

Nevertheless, J&J is continuing to offer virtual viewings, a fantastic way to view a property from the comfort of your sofa!

Are house moves permitted? What happens if a tenant had planned to move during lockdown?

House moves deemed non-essential are strongly discouraged during lockdown and throughout the coronavirus crisis. The only grounds on which a move is permitted are sanitation or public health.
This therefore means that, unless the move is essential, the tenant should remain in your property until the end of lockdown. To formalise this arrangement and avoid being caught out by an automatic renewal of the tenancy agreement, remember to draw up an addendum with your tenant providing for a temporary extension of the tenancy.
If the move is deemed necessary by the health authorities, your tenant and everyone present during the move must strictly comply with the hygiene and social-distancing measures in force. To avoid any difficulties, it is advisable to notify the police of this authorised move.

Has the government introduced any measures for tenants who may have difficulty paying their rent?

This health crisis will undoubtedly lead to an economic crisis affecting many people: this may include you or your tenant. Your tenant would be entitled to ask you to spread their rent payments over a longer period, or to reduce the rent in proportion to their loss of income (in the event of temporary unemployment, for example).
Of course, this could make it difficult for you to repay your mortgage to the bank. The good news is that you can request a mortgage repayment deferral through Febelfin, the representative of Belgium’s financial sector.
These are exceptional measures; remember that this difficult situation will not last!

If you would like to find out more about this subject, here is an article that may interest you!

You should also be aware that, if you are considering selling your property in the coming weeks, you do not need to wait. Do not waste any time: contact us! Together, we can already work wonders remotely. We hope that this coronavirus crisis is not disrupting your life too much.

We remain available to provide you with the best possible property service!
Take care,
The entire J&J Properties team.
02 770 76 00
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