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Multi-unit Properties with Common Areas Should Immediately Be Cleaned

If you own an apartment complex, your first priority should be to clean common areas. Access doors used by everyone, stairways, handrails, gyms, and lounge area should all be sanitized. Contact cleaners in your local area to see who is equipped and available, as demand for cleaning services has skyrocketed. They don’t need any special cleaners or equipment; CDC guidelines recommend using bleach and at least 70% alcohol solutions to disinfect. A list of disinfectants that meet the EPA’s standards for use against COVID-19 can be found here.

Soap and water can also be used on surfaces like couches, carpets, and window coverings. It’s also a good idea to install hand sanitizer stations in common areas or even outside the building.

If you own a commercial building, you will need to extend the cleaning to areas like bathrooms and meeting areas. You might think it’s the tenant’s responsibility to keep these areas cleaned, but in situations like this if you can do something to help prevent the risk of spread, it’s advisable to do so.

Get In Touch with Your Tenants

The most important thing you can do, after cleaning, is keep open communication channels with your tenants. Whether you own complexes or one single-family home, your tenants are likely experiencing the same enormous changes you are and are struggling to adjust. Reach out and let them know you’re taking the virus seriously, you’re disinfecting common areas if applicable, and that you’ll keep in contact to ensure they’re getting the support they need. Make sure they’re aware of the CDC guidelines and are doing everything they can to keep themselves and others safe.

This is especially important for owners of multi-unit properties. One sick tenant can lead to an outbreak, so it’s vital to have a plan in place. Your first step should be to encourage tenants to stay informed and turn to local news for updates. Send them the CDC’s guidelines on how to stay safe, which can be found here. You don’t want to induce panic or anxiety, but the more people follow the recommendations, the faster we can get a handle on the virus. You’re not just doing your tenants a favor, you’re doing the community a service by spreading information instead of germs.

If someone does get sick and you own a multi-unit property, preserve their anonymity while still keeping other tenants informed of the situation. Get those cleaners in there and encourage everyone to monitor themselves for symptoms and seek medical attention if necessary. Most cases are mild, but that doesn’t mean the threat of an outbreak shouldn’t be taken seriously.

Keep in mind that through all of this, you still have to respect your tenants’ rights. You can’t discriminate against them if they’re sick, you must give proper contact if you want to come in and clean, and you need to protect their privacy if they do become ill.

Limit Contact and Encourage Tenants to Stay Indoors

If your usual routine involves collecting rent in person, it’s time to come up with a new plan. You can have them leave rent payments in their mailboxes, on their doors, or ask them to send payments through the mail straight to you. This will really come down to personal choice, but whatever you decide the goal is to limit contact as much as possible.

You might also have to reschedule things like inspections or walkthroughs. If you absolutely have to have in-person meetings with tenants, maintain six feet of distance at all times. You both might feel a little awkward, but it’s a small price to pay to stay safe. You can also wear masks for added protection, just in case either one of you is not showing symptoms but has still been in contact with the virus.

While you’re limiting contact, remind your tenants that if they can do the same, they should. Even if you’re disinfecting common areas, encourage tenants to stay within their own units. For single-family properties, let your tenants know what steps you’re taking and how those steps might affect them (such as no-contact rent collection and social distancing during inspections).

Be Prepared for Difficult Economic Times

Perhaps the biggest change looming on the horizon is rental payments. Businesses big and small are closing their doors, and those that aren’t equipped to offer work from home options have been forced to layoff thousands. Unemployment applications have skyrocketed, and states are struggling to catch up to and meet demands. Even those who are lucky enough to be able to work from home might see reductions in the hours they can work or pay cuts.

In short, the recession we’ve all feared is looming overhead thanks to COVID-19. Entire countries are shut down, and that has a ripple effect that everyone feels.

The biggest expense for most people is rent, and while it’s easy to cut back on a lot of unnecessary expenses when times get tough, the one place that can’t be neglected is housing. Tenants who are experiencing financial difficulties due to COVID-19 are, in some states and cities, under unique protections. Around 90 cities have stopped shutting off water to those who can’t pay their bill, and some have even banned evictions related to COVID-19 financial constraints. Many cities are taking their own specific steps, so definitely check with your local government for city-specific information.

As a landlord, you might feel that some of the new rules are a bit unfair, but remember that for most people, it’s out of their hands. If you’re concerned about what a lack of rental income will mean for your own financial situation, reach out to other landlords or your local housing authorities to find out if there are resources specifically for landlords. Some states or counties have disaster relief funds that can help both tenants and landlords, and since a state of emergency has been declared these funds are available for use. Your local government should have more information.

Stay Informed

It might be depressing to watch the news every day and see the number of cases climbing, but it’s necessary to know what’s going on to protect yourself. So little is known about COVID-19 that every day, new information is coming to light. States are responding as best they can, and resources are popping up everywhere that are intended to help those who are struggling. It’s tempting to panic or let anxiety rule your actions, but now more than ever is the time to have a clear head.

It’s tempting to fall into an “every man for himself” mindset, but remember that being a landlord is a full time gig. Even during a national emergency, you still need to be there for your tenants. Whether the extent of your role is simply reminding them to stay inside or personally sanitizing every surface of your buildings, don’t forget that your actions will affect many others. When life gets back to normal, your response during this time will say a lot to your tenants. Think carefully about what message you want to send.

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