Like most businesses, rental property owners must adapt to the “new normal” and change in our COVID-impacted world. From social distancing and cleaning procedures, to renters who have been hard hit economically, landlords are searching for new ways to handle their rental properties and navigate the challenges.

Communication – good, consistent communication – is essential. Don’t let the various issues interrupt the flow of information. Stay in touch with your tenants.

• Check on their well-being. Let your tenants know you care.
• Share cleaning/sanitation tips.
• Establish a protocol for reporting if a tenant tests positive for COVID-19.
• Offer a variety of ways for your tenants to connect with you.

Virtual is key – go as virtual as you can in as many ways as you can. Besides ensuring social distancing, it is more convenient and efficient.

• Photo/ video showings
• Online lease and lease renewal signings
• Zoom, or similar video chats
• Set up an online bill pay for collecting rent
• Offer mobile apps for making rent payments

Encourage renter loyalty and steady rent collection – the economic shut down has impacted everyone. Many people are out of work, and rent may be hard to collect. Find ways to work with your tenants. Be creative.

• If you provide pool or landscape service for your rental property, you can talk with the tenant about temporarily cancelling these services and pass along the savings to them. They can always be reinstated once the tenant is in better financial shape.
• Consider allowing the tenant to have a roommate to help pay the rent.
• If a tenant is out of work or struggling financially, direct them to local or state programs that offer housing or utility payment assistance. Many of these programs have recently received funding to help people impacted by the pandemic.
• If you typically raise your rent once a year, consider offering a rent freeze for 6 to 12 months.
• Switch from monthly to weekly payments.

We all must continue to adapt to the “new normal” but keep your focus on what matters most –people and relationships. You want to stay safe, healthy, and prosperous, despite COVID-19, and so do your tenants. By keeping communication lines open and working together, we can all win in the end.

About Rentals America

Rentals America provides full-service property management for residential properties. Our team is completely dedicated to property management and we’re here to help landlords navigate the rental market. We handle the day to day hassles so you can rest easy. Contact us today.