The coronavirus. Even seeing the word these days might be enough to incite groans of frustration and exhaustion. The global pandemic has changed the way we do business and interact with others and has consistently occupied our collective consciousness since it emerged. While property managers might have the desire to simply move forward with business as usual, it is important to address the pandemic and how it changes your interactions with your staff and your tenants.

For many renters, the pandemic has meant financial difficulties that make paying rent in full and on time impossible.At the same time, efforts to stop the spread require some maneuvering on the part of management. Maximizing revenues and avoiding evictions requires thorough considerations.

Here's what you should know.

Maintaining tenant and staff safety

Most property management teams have already addressed their policies to help limit the spread. These efforts often include social distancing measures, cleaning and disinfecting techniques, and new standards of virtual communication. While it may be tempting to begin the new year with a return to normalcy, these efforts are still important until the pandemic is under control.

For the current public health crisis and any that may emerge in the future, the following strategies are helpful ways to ensure the safety of staff and tenants:

• Keep non-emergency maintenance to a minimum.

• Require staff to wear masks and socially distance when they’re interacting with tenants.

• Create virtual tours for listings to minimize exposure on the property.

• Reiterate standards of cleanliness and ensure staff are supplied with disinfectants.

• Consider assisting vulnerable residents with needs like grocery delivery.

These efforts and more can mean not just safety but a reputation for quality and care. In turn, this can boost tenant satisfaction and assist in the efforts tenants will make in paying full rent on time.

Managing rent collection problems

With the staggering rates of unemployment that the coronavirus pandemic brought with it, millions have faced difficulties in making rent payments on time. Compounding these issues is a lack of clarity in federal and state-level policies like eviction moratoriums. Effective property management at a time like this requires active communication and empathy.

By reaching out to tenants, explaining to them clearly what is required of them, and expressing an openness to hear their challenges, you can be better prepared to navigate collection difficulties. Often, this has included setting up payment plans for struggling tenants. While this option may not seem ideal, during a public health crisis this may be the only way to ensure a complete collection of rents while avoiding problematic evictions.

Streamlining tenant communication

The pandemic has made simple face-to-face communication difficult and even a source of anxiety for many people. Property managers must set themselves on the cutting edge of communication standards, meaning an embrasure of technology and communication portals that allow tenants to seamlessly express their needs from the safety of their home.

To start, you should create a virtual hub of information and news regarding your properties. This will allow tenants to quickly and easily access information regarding procedures surrounding the public health crisis. At the same time, it will enable them to reach out with any questions and concerns they may have.

All kinds of applications and portals are out there ready for use. Explore your options, including social media, for methods conducting everything from submitting maintenance requests to effectively managing rent payments.

Bottom line

Quality communication is your best tool during a public health crisis. Technology is one way to achieve this quality. At the same time, an empathetic and active approach to keeping your staff and residents safe while minimizing evictions can be a great way to bolster your reputation and demonstrate your commitment to client and tenant satisfaction.

Follow these tips for a safer, smoother approach to managing properties during a public health crisis. For more information on property management and real estate investment, contact 208.properties or find us on social media.