How Managing Properties Will Change After the COVID-19 Lockdown

COVID-19 has reshaped the way that we approach many aspects of our lives, and in many cases, has redetermined how we view and manage our spaces, homes and properties. Given the increased attention to how a virus can spread through contact and surfaces, in the reopening process real estate professionals and property managers will have to determine how to ensure that properties are safe so that the virus cannot be easily spread. Below, we’ll discuss how managing properties will change after lockdown ends and we all begin to assimilate to a new sense of normalcy.

Regular Cleanings and Inspections

According to the CDC, guidelines for cleaning public spaces, schools, and businesses will drastically improve in the wake of COVID-19. For property managers, a proper supply of EPA approved disinfectants will be essential in combination with regular soap and water cleaning measures. All surfaces must be disinfected more regularly, as will smaller surfaces that people touch such as elevator buttons and keypads. Furthermore, property managers will have to make their cleaning procedures transparent to everyone who accesses the property, there will be demand from residents to know which measures are being put in place to protect them. Inspections will also increase to keep everyone accountable as the hysteria around the virus declines with time.

Socially Distanced or Remote Showings

For property managers with vacant units, they’ll still look to show the units through socially distanced as well as in-person showings. However, there will likely be instances where potential residents aren’t comfortable traveling to the new space, so remote showings, and virtual question and answer sessions can become more valuable than ever. There are many online platforms that can help property managers with remote showings as well as to streamline their communications with current residents.

Updated Eviction Policies

At present, the government has encouraged property managers to halt evictions as many Americans struggle both with their health and their finances. Thus, property managers will likely alter eviction policies going into the future to allow for emergency aid and consider how to provide relief with late fees on rent.

Increased Role of Technology

Technology has become of the utmost importance for realtors and property managers during COVID-19. As previously mentioned, it’s essential to become comfortable with navigating an online platform for showing and tours, as many potential residents will feel uncomfortable being in a space with others.

Mastery of an online platform will also aid in communication between residents and the manager, and workflows that help route requests to the right person on the team will help the manager navigate the increased number of concerns during this period. Discussion forums can also be leveraged to ensure the residents continue to have a sense of community as well as reach out about concerns with each other.

COVID-19 is going to change policy in every way, shape, and form, but that doesn’t mean the property managers should have to struggle. Through increased sanitation and disinfecting programs, updated eviction policies, and proper proactive use of technology, the role of a property manager will continue to evolve through the end of the lockdown and into the future.