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Grandview Property Management & The Coronavirus
What we are doing
As unemployment claims and cases of COVID-19 surge, we as property managers are holding our breath in anticipation. On April 1, the industry will get its first real sense of how many rents and mortgage payments may fall short or go unpaid.
Threats to our health and our financial security make this a harrowing time for people and businesses around the world. Even though as property managers we find ourselves at the front lines of this crisis, we will survive this time, and come out stronger on the other side. Through the right combination of empathy and technology, our goal is to care for our residents, staff, clients, and properties safely and effectively in this deeply uncertain time.
We know that what you need most right now is information. That’s why we have created dedicated web pages dedicated for our Tenants and for our Rental Owners with the resources we think can be helpful.
protecting tenants, owners, and ourselves from COVID-19
Our Plan
The situation with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is evolving rapidly; and with every passing day, there are more cities with stay-at-home orders, more businesses closing, and more people in self-quarantine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that the best way to keep from getting sick is to “put distance between yourself and other people (more than 6 feet).”
As Property Managers we feel that maintaining social distance is easier said than done, given the sheer number of people we can come into contact with on a daily basis. Their challenge is in keeping our residents, our owners, our agents, and ourselves safe while still providing excellent service.
From closing amenity spaces to disinfecting common areas to keeping our tenants informed of the ever-evolving situation, we have gone already above and beyond to maintain social distancing.
Note: The following tips are shared based on the information currently available as of March 25, 2020. Please consult resources from the state, medical or legal authorities like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the CDC before putting any items into action.
Protecting our tenants
Receiving Guidance
Property managers across the country are already taking action to protect your tenants and flatten the curve. Organizations such as the the CDC; the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers; the National Apartment Association; the National Association of Residential Property Managers; and others are providing guidance daily. Below are some of the most widespread measures that are being adopted.
Closing Amenity Spaces:
It is our recommendation that Buildings and complexes close pools, gyms, conference rooms, and other amenity spaces to promote social distancing and reduce the number of areas that need regular disinfecting. Since we manage individual properties for the most part and don't manage the communities our properties are located in, it is our recommendation to avoid these areas and treat them as they are closed.
Disinfecting Common Areas
Most management companies may be disinfecting areas that must remain open, like lobbies and laundry rooms. The CDC has released guidelines on proper disinfection procedures. We advise our tenants to treat these areas with caution. Bring your own disinfecting wipes to use prior to contact with common areas. Remember to wash your hands!
Monitoring HVAC Systems
Although the CDC has made no connection between HVAC systems and the spread of coronavirus, ASHRAE has put out a list of guidelines on the maintenance and cleaning of ventilation systems in response to the crisis. Change your air filter regularly, even more often than you normally would. If your HVAC is not working properly, please advise your manager right away. Keeping in mind service providers are restricting the amount of work being done on-site.
Minimizing In-Person Contact
Tenants who normally pay rent and fees or submit requests in person could be putting themselves at risk by heading out to our office or asking the manager to meet with them, especially if you are part of a vulnerable group. Even if you mail your payments, we still have to go out to the mailbox or the post office.
Online rent payments eliminate the need to go out, reducing the amount of contact tenants have with others. Tenants should set up EFT or automated credit/debit card payments through our payment portal.
Keeping Residents Informed
The situation changes rapidly—sometimes faster than we can get the word out via email, and certainly faster (and safer) than making and distributing flyers. We will keep residents informed via online resident centers and mass text messages.
Restricting Service Providers
We will communicate regularly with companies that provide services like plumbing, gardening, HVAC, or general contract work to be clear on the measures they are taking to protect our tenants and clients.
Chances are, both properties and service providers are restricting the amount of work being done on-site.
Creating an Action Plan
The National Apartment Association (NAA)and the National Association of Residential Property Managers (NARPM) is providing guidance for property managers in the event of a shelter-in-place order or tenant who presents with symptoms. We are regularly monitoring the COVID-19 resource pages for Property Managers to implement an action plan.
Protecting our owners
Opportunity
There are plenty of opportunities to practice social distancing with property owners as well. Again, the key is to eliminate as much physical contact as possible, while keeping owners informed about their properties.
Eliminating In-Person Meetings
Businesses, organizations, and even friends are using video conferencing software to run meetings and social events. We can move all of our meetings online or address issues via email.
Setting Up a Portal
For documents, payments, work orders, and other day-to-day business, we offer online portals to keep things running. Keep everything online to maintain social distancing.
Keeping Owners Informed
Portals, frequent emails, and bulk text messaging keep owners abreast of issues like disinfection schedules, resident questions, or the presence of the virus in their properties.