Estate agent Foxtons told a tenant with coronavirus symptoms who was self-isolating to leave their home so potential buyers could view the property.

Despite NHS guidance that anyone who may be infected should stay at home, Foxtons told the tenant that potentially having the virus was not acceptable grounds to restrict access to their home for viewings.

“If you have coronavirus or have symptoms it cannot and indeed should not impact your landlord’s plans,” the company said in an undated email seen by The Independent.

“You can self-isolate anywhere, ie your boyfriend’s/parents/friends property, it does not need to be in [your own home],”

The message continued: “Your obligations as a tenant to allow access for sales/lettings viewings as per clause 11.2 of your tenancy agreement, which I’ve enclosed, are very clear.”

NHS guidelines tell anyone who has symptoms of coronavirus, however mild, to stay at home. People who live with someone who has symptoms are told to stay at home for 14 days because symptoms of the virus take some time to develop.

Foxtons’ move may also have put the viewers of the property unwittingly at risk of being infected by the virus which can remain floating in droplets in the air for three hours after someone has coughed and can survive on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for two to three days.

Foxtons admitted that its actions “fell well short” in this instance. The estate agent said it had apologised “unreservedly” to the tenant and offered them compensation.

“We are taking the Covid-19 outbreak extremely seriously and we have reiterated to our staff that whatever the situation, anyone’s self-isolation should not be interrupted,” Foxtons said.

“We continue to do our utmost to ensure all customers’ needs are met during these challenging conditions.”

Email from Foxtons to tenant

The incident comes as Londoners prepare for an enforced lockdown period of self-isolation at home, while the UK death toll rose to 144.

The pandemic has also highlighted the precarious situation of many private-sector renters who can be evicted from their homes without any reason needed from their landlord.

In response to mounting calls for reform, the government this week announced emergency legislation banning evictions during the period of national emergency.

But campaigners have called for more support including a "rent holiday" for those whose earnings are impacted by the pandemic.

David Cox, chief executive of the lettings industry trade body ARLA Propertymark, said: “If a tenant is self-isolating, an agent should avoid entering the property.

“It’s important for agents to be sensible and reasonable while thinking of their tenants and their own health.”

He advised agents to make “reasonable, regular checks” before arranging a viewing of a property.

“Ask the tenants and the individual viewing the property if they have returned from an impacted area, have a high temperature, a recent dry cough or have had contact with anyone who has symptoms. If they answer yes to any of these, then the agent shouldn’t conduct the viewing."

Property inspections should be postponed unless they are absolutely necessary, Mr Cox said. "If the work is vital, then they should ask tenants if they have had any symptoms or contact with someone who has symptoms. If not, then the work should go ahead but with added hygiene checks, thorough cleaning and use of disposable gloves."