Best Practices for Landlords During the Coronavirus Pandemic

If you're a self-managing property owner, the current COVID-19 pandemic may be causing you additional stress. On top of your regular responsibilities and duties, you must now abide by strict safety protocols. The coronavirus is extremely contagious, so following the precautions is more important than ever.

In this article, we will give you all the tips to ensure your tenants remain safe from COVID-19 and to ensure your property stays virus-free.

Check out the best practices you can implement in these challenging times.

Pay Attention to Official Sources of Information

New information and news concerning COVID-19 is uploaded to the Internet every day, but not all of it is factual. Make sure you are getting your information from credible websites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Once you filter the information and find the reliable sources, share this with your tenants via email or phone call. They will appreciate it.

Communicate Openly

While it's important to physically distance yourself from your tenants, this doesn't mean ceasing your communication. You have to be there for your tenants and openly communicate with them in these challenging times.

Here are reminders you can share with your tenants:

  • Make frequent hand washing a habit.
  • Always carry hand sanitizers, that have at least 60% alcohol, with you.
  • Remember to wear a mask to protect yourself from being exposed to the airborne virus.
  • Stay home if you feel sick so you don't risk spreading the illness to others.
  • Keep your hands away from your face to avoid the risk of infection.
  • Make sure to clean up your home and surrounding areas to maintain a hygienic environment.
  • If you have a fever, cough or fatigue, call a doctor and self-quarantine before the appointment.

Providing them with these reminders will help keep them safe from COVID-19, and they will notice that you care about their well-being.

video chat with face masks

Also, your tenants may be feeling anxious. In this case, you should do all you can to reassure them that everything will be ok. Tell them that you are executing safety protocols such as disinfecting the premises in order to keep their environment virus-free.

If your tenants require a repair or maintenance job, explain to them that you will only conduct the repair if it is absolutely necessary. You may also consider walking your renters through a repair job over the phone, if possible. The less you visit your tenants in-person, the better.

If there's an emergency, such as a gas leak, a fire or a flood, reassure your tenants that you will be there to handle it in a safe manner.

By openly communicating with your tenants, it will create a safe and calm environment. If they have questions, be there for them and offer your answers.

Establish Hygiene Protocols

You must establish safety measures to limit the spread of the virus. There are many ways to do so.

Here are a few:

  • Disinfect all surfaces: You must sanitize all contact surfaces as COVID-19 can linger on them for days. Consider keyboards, touch screens, doorknobs and light switches.
  • Wash your hands: Washing your hands is the best way to prevent the spread of the virus. It's important that you wash your hands with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds. If water is unavailable, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
  • Wear face cloths: The CDC has stated that medical facemasks are not necessary unless you're a healthcare worker or infected; however they suggest that everyone wears a face cloth covering.
  • Wear gloves: After finishing a task or upon entering a new rental unit, you should put on a new pair of disposable gloves. Also, be sure to understand the proper way of donning and doffing your gloves.

blue gloves and face mask

Review Leases and Legal Obligations

Before the COVID-19 crisis, you might have signed a leasing agreement to improve your property through construction and renovation. There might be delay in these projects, but you are still bound by your legal obligations. Therefore, you have to find ways to adhere to the state laws to avoid negative legal consequences.

Keep Reviewing and Adapting Plans

Since we don't know where the COVID-19 pandemic will end, it's important to review your short and long-term plans. Be flexible and ready to change your plans as new information is provided.

Bottom Line

As a self-managing property owner, this unprecedented period places a greater burden on your shoulders. In addition to the usual tasks such as rent collection and property upkeep, you now have to deal with enforcing hygienic protocols.

At Suncastle Property Management, we believe that we can help you during these challenging times. Our professional team can offer you excellent support. We are knowledgeable about the State Laws and have a concrete plan for handling this pandemic. We are fully prepared, dedicated and reliable.

Contact us today for more information.

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