As a property owner, what’s your plan for handling the COVID-19 outbreak?
The spread of the novel Coronavirus has brought new challenges to industries across the nation, and property management is no exception.
In this article, we will enlighten you with the best practices you can adopt during this global pandemic.
These principles will help you be a better and more efficient property owner in these tough times. They will also keep you and your tenants safe from the coronavirus.
Here are our best practices:
Share Information from Credible Sources
There are many sources across the Internet that are sharing information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. However, not all of them are sharing quality and factual content.
You should avoid spreading any hearsay or misinformation. To find accurate information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here, you will find the latest updates and guidelines regarding the COVID-19 situation. You can also look to your city or state health authorities for credible information.
Adhere to Strict Hygiene Protocols
The main way to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to establish rigorous hygiene protocols.
When attending to property repairs and maintenance, this becomes very crucial. The novel coronavirus can remain on most surfaces, and only a thorough disinfection will remove it.
Additionally, you always need to have personal protective equipment on you when in the rental unit. Ensure that your contractors abide by the same rules when they enter the property, too.
Follow these hygiene measures to limit the spread of COVID-19:
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands with water and soap for a minimum of 20 seconds. The use of hand sanitizer doesn’t replace proper hand washing. However, you may find that there is no running water in certain emergency maintenance situations. In that case, disinfectant gels and liquids with an alcohol content of at least 60% is your best option.
- Disinfect contact surfaces: The virus can live on many surfaces in your rental properties. That’s why you should clean and disinfect all the surfaces that you come into contact with after servicing a rental unit. For instance, light switches, countertops, doorknobs, and touch screens have a high risk of contamination.
- Understand the facemask policy: You may be wondering if you need to wear a medical facemask. In short, only caregivers, infected people, or those who have a valid reason to believe they are infected need the masks. However, the new guidelines by the CDC recommend that all people wear cloth face coverings. These won’t protect you from getting the virus, but they will decrease the risk of infecting others if you’re a silent carrier of COVID-19.
- Order enough gloves: Use disposable gloves. Discard your used gloves before starting a new task or entering another rental unit. This will ensure you and your tenants remain safe by limiting the risk of cross-contamination. Learn how to properly don and doff your personal protective equipment. If anyone helps you to maintain the properties, educate them as well.
Rely on Open and Friendly Communication
Quality communication ensures a good relationship with your tenants. During a crisis like COVID-19, you need to step up on your communication efforts. Offer plenty of support while being responsive and transparent.
Many tenants are concerned about their health. Make it known to your renters that you will follow all the basic safety precautions whenever visiting their homes. Explain that you will only provide essential services during the outbreak.
At the same time, let your tenants know that they will not be alone in times of trouble. Clearly communicate that you will provide the necessary upkeep and repairs for the entire duration of this national emergency.
Also, reassure them that you’ll promptly respond to emergency needs such as major gas leaks, fires, or floods. Make them feel safe by giving them your full attention and quickly responding to their phone calls, messages and emails.
Keep an Eye on Legal Updates
The legal landscape is undergoing quick changes during this pandemic. These updates could affect the legal status of your lease agreements and your finances.
The COVID-19 pandemic is likely to affect your rental property operation in many ways. Always make sure to comply with the laws and regulations as they change.
Review and Adapt Your Self-Managing Plans
Rental property ownership is full of unexpected events, including emergencies, payment troubles, and even evictions. Now, the COVID-19 situation is an added difficulty in a list of challenges.
Review your short and long-term plans. Make sure that you are legally compliant and ensure that your finances are in good order. Have an adaptive mindset. It will help you grow the rental investment in uncertain times.
Consider the Benefits of Professional Property Management
The importance of professional property management is at an all-time high. The COVID-19 pandemic has created unique challenges for property owners, but an established property management can support you.
At Realty Management Associates, we respect all the safety precautions and rules listed above. When you partner up with us, you can enjoy on-time rent, worry-free rental ownership, and the complete compliance with COVID-19 regulations.
Get reliable property management services for your Idaho rental properties. Contact us today for zero-stress ownership.