Lesson 2 – Property-Related Hazards and Risk Factors

Lesson overview

This lesson examines the risks that can arise during common estate-agency and lettings activities.

Lesson content

2.1 Property viewings

Possible risks include:

• Meeting someone whose identity has not been verified.
• Entering an unfamiliar property.
• Being alone with an attendee.
• Becoming isolated in a room, basement or garden.
• Aggressive or inappropriate behaviour.
• Slips, trips, unstable flooring or poor lighting.
• Dogs or other animals.
• Additional attendees arriving unexpectedly.

2.2 Valuations and inspections

Risks may include:

• Disputes about rent, value, repairs or property condition.
• Tension between landlords, tenants or separating partners.
• Unsafe access to lofts, cellars and external areas.
• Damp, mould, damaged flooring or exposed electrical equipment.
• Needles, drug paraphernalia or suspected criminal activity.
• Hostile occupants or unauthorised residents.

2.3 Vacant properties

Vacant properties may present:

• Unsecured entrances or signs of forced entry.
• Squatters or unauthorised occupants.
• Poor lighting.
• Damaged stairs, floors or ceilings.
• Exposed wiring or disconnected utilities.
• Fire, flooding, contamination or structural hazards.
• Limited mobile-phone reception.

2.4 Higher-risk situations

Additional precautions may be required for:

• Eviction or possession-related visits.
• Tenancy disputes.
• Previous threats or aggressive behaviour.
• Appointments after dark.
• Remote or unfamiliar locations.
• Collecting keys from unknown individuals.
• Properties subject to police or enforcement activity.
• Visits involving sensitive financial or personal matters.

2.5 Risk controls

Depending on the risk, suitable controls might include:

• Rearranging the appointment.
• Holding the meeting at the office.
• Scheduling the appointment during daylight hours.
• Sending two employees.
• Asking a manager to attend.
• Using a telephone or video appointment.
• Requesting police or specialist assistance where appropriate.
• Deciding that the visit must not proceed.

Activity

Learners identify the hazards associated with an evening inspection of a vacant property with no electricity and unreliable mobile reception.