Historical context: This article reflects early 2020 pandemic practices and is retained as an archive, not current medical or access-control guidance. For current precautions, consult CDC respiratory-virus prevention guidance and applicable local requirements. The unsafe instruction to spray people with disinfectant has been removed.
The global pandemic has brought about some revolutionary changes in the way businesses operate. As many people struggle to shift their services online, property managers also try to handle essentially on-ground tasks in the virtual space. Here are 4 property management tips while social distancing.
Upgrade Disinfecting Regimes
Apartment complex managers, in particular, need to be extra careful about disinfecting shared spaces. To ensure the safety of tenants and the workers, determine timings for cleaning and seal the area during that time.
Doing so not only limits movement but also ensures there is no disruption during disinfecting. Make sure to go overall handles, doorknobs, and elevator buttons as well as staircase railings at least twice a day. You should also install sanitizer disposers at ever entrance and by all elevators.
Set up a Portal
For ease of communication, you should set up an online portal with all residents, as it helps in property management while practicing social distance. You can upload all important documents on the portal and even establish a complaint channel.
You can even add contact numbers for maintenance crews for emergencies. But most importantly, it allows you to establish a secure communication channel with tenants. You can also draft an action plan and relay it to the tenants via the portal so that in case somebody in the building acquires the virus, other residents know what to do.
Restricting Service Providers
Coordinate necessary maintenance with qualified providers and follow applicable current precautions. Never spray people with surface disinfectants. EPA explains that these disinfectant products are intended for surfaces, not people.
People bringing in mail and deliveries should be kept off-premises at all times. Make sure you issue a notice to residents clearly stating these terms and conditions. For the residents’ safety, it is necessary, they know what measures to take and what to avoid.
Virtual Tours
Even though property management companies and owners are rethinking their eviction procedures and extending deadlines for tenants, the search for properties is still on. Here giving in-person tours is no longer an option. Neither are open house tours.
We must all go out of our way to practice social distancing and thus rely on virtual tours even more so than in-person visits. Property Managers should take this opportunity and record a tour of the property and upload it. Those who are on the lookout for properties to buy/ rent are likely to view it as the internet is their primary source of information at the moment.
Property managers must also set up the lead to lease cycle online. It allows you to discuss terms of the contract and lease online and also allows you to sign documents online. It eliminates the need for an in-person meeting.
With these 4 property management tips while social distancing, managers can support building operations, but these measures do not guarantee residents’ safety. Make sure to add a vacancy period so that managers can effectively disinfect the place before allowing new residents to move in
