The coronavirus has certainly presented some unusual challenges for property managers and landlords. Between shelter-in-place orders and social distancing rules, it might seem like a moot point to try to show your rental property to prospective new tenants. Even though real estate activities came to a halt these past few months, people still need a place to call home.
Although ideally you want to be able to meet potential tenants in person, under the new “normal” you’ve probably considered how to take advantage of technology to eliminate the need for in person contact. Zoom or Skype meetings are useful for answering questions online and still have that face-to-face interaction that inevitably builds tenant/landlord trust.
Technology aside, as COVID-19 requirements slowly begin to lift, My Place Realty has implemented the best practices for our open house events as the safety of our tenants, future tenants and the safety of our staff has always been, and remains our number one priority.
In accordance and in adhering to best safety practices, here is what we are doing to move forward with showings.
Open House Guidelines:
- Vacant units will only be shown during an Open House Event.
- Social distancing will always be required.
- Masks (PPE) will be required to be worn by all in attendance.
- Hand sanitizer will be provided onsite.
- Guests will be required to sanitize their hands before entering the building.
- Guests – only groups belonging to the same household will be shown the unit at one time.
- Guests will be required to wait outside while socially distancing themselves.
- Guests will also have the option to wait in their vehicle until it is their turn to view the suite, but please sign in on the Resident Manager’ sign in sheet.
- Guests will be asked if they have recently travelled internationally or across the border and if they’re experiencing any cold or flu-like symptoms. If so, they will be required to reschedule or attend a virtual showing.
Unfortunately, the days of leisurely touring apartments are over, at least for right now; however,
there are many ways to safely approach a residential rental transaction to minimize the potential of transmitting COVID-19. No one can predict when life will return to full normalcy, which means apartment hunting will need to be navigated with caution and care.
Stay safe, stay healthy, and please practice social distancing.