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Guide to Managing Renters Moving During COVID-19

Every business, including rental properties, has faced significant challenges during the pandemic. Covid-19 has changed the way companies render tasks that were not long ago considered routine. Although some industries have suffered tremendously throughout the pandemic, the rental market has adapted to change in the business climate. 

While much of the US is still in recovery mode and dealing with the after-effects of Covid-19, landlords and property managers in La Jolla are improvising and finding new ways to facilitate property management, maintenance, rent collection, communication with tenants, marketing, and more. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at how you can manage renters who are moving in and out of your units. 

How can I manage renters moving in or out of rental properties during COVID-19?

During the coronavirus pandemic, moving has been recognized as an essential business and was allowed under strict social distancing protocols. As a result, landlords and property managers alike can organize and execute moves and continue to market their vacant units and lease agreements. 

The move in and move out procedure, commonly known as tenant turnover, typically involves:

All of these procedures have had to be adjusted during the pandemic in order to keep people safe. Here are some innovative ways landlords and property managers handle tenants moving amid the pandemic. 

Lockboxes

Prior to the tenant moving out, set up a lockbox for them to put their keys in. Likewise, have the cleaning company come after the tenants move out and also use the lockbox to avoid meeting anyone. Make sure that your cleaning crew does a meticulous job of sanitizing and disinfecting all surfaces.

Additional tenant screening

Be extremely thorough with tenant screening. Double-check each applicant’s chances of continued employment during the pandemic. You’ll want to avoid renting your property to someone likely to lose their job but proceed to live in your unit for the foreseeable future.

Virtual Tours

Avoid unnecessary exposure to the coronavirus, and begin doing virtual tours on your rental properties. Now you can start renting properties over the phone. Send videos and photos after you’ve done the necessary renovations. Compile a list of specific things your renters will likely want to see in the video. Put the emphasis on the amenities, the view, the kitchen, and the bathroom. Find a tutorial online on how to create a quality video, upload it to the website, and share it.

Virtual tours are a great tool that allows renters to browse through properties without having risking exposure. More and more renters are starting to get accustomed to seeing and applying to rent a property without seeing it in person.

 

Communicating with tenants via a video conferencing service

Take advantage of Zoom, Skype, or FaceTime to communicate. It’s the easiest way to keep in touch with your tenants, as well as candidates for your rental.  Quite possibly, this will soon become the norm.

We set the standard for property managers in La Jolla & the vicinity

Whether you’re new to the world of property renting and management or a seasoned landlord, you could certainly use a helping hand, especially during a pandemic. Whether your rental units are near La Jolla Cove or anywhere around San Diego, at Lofty Property Management, we offer a comprehensive set of property management services. Get in touch with us today and find out how we can help!

Guide to Post-COVID Turnover Cleaning

COVID-19 is not going anywhere any time soon, so it’s imperative that you as a landlord take extra precautions to prepare your rental for the new tenants. By following a clear turnover cleaning protocol, you will not only make your rental spotlessly clean but help stop the spread of the coronavirus in the process. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), COVID-19 spreads by direct contact with an infected person. In addition, according to various studies, the virus may spread through contaminated surfaces. Property managers in La Jolla, CA, are well-versed when it comes to turnover cleaning. Below you’ll learn more about how they make their post-COVID turnover cleaning efficient and minimize the health risks. 

What are post-COVID cleaning and turnover protocols for rental properties?

The CDC has put together a list of cleaning products that have proven to effectively limit the spread of the virus, such as sodium hypochlorite and bleach. The surfaces on which these products are used include desks, toilets, doorknobs, cabinets, etc. 

The cleaning products from the CDC-indorsed list can help you significantly reduce and limit the virus’ spread. 

Choosing the right supplies and protective equipment 

Investing in essential products to effectively clean and disinfect surfaces in homes and offices is a must. The personal protective equipment (PPE) and supplies include:

  • Face masks, gloves, and goggles for skin and eye protection
  • Disposable protective clothing
  • Disinfectant products
  • Garbage bags, paper towels, and cleansing brushes
  • Hand sanitizer

The equipment and supplies must be appropriately used to prevent exposure and ensure maximum safety. 

CDC reopening guidelines

The CDC has put out guidelines that refer to the reopening of rental properties and commercial businesses to help property and business owners. 

The seven-day rule

According to the Centers for Disease Control, a space that has been unoccupied for seven days does not require additional disinfecting to prevent the spread of COVID-19. If you can leave your property empty for a week, you’ll be able to facilitate your usual cleaning routine between tenants.

Disinfecting products

For areas that you need to disinfect, the CDC has provided a handy list of cleaning products that have been shown to be effective in killing the COVID-19 virus. Note that it is essential not only to use the correct product in many cases but also to have it in contact with the surface for a sufficient amount of time.

Outdoor spaces

There is little evidence that the virus can spread in outdoor pools and hot tubs, and proper maintenance and disinfection should be sufficient to protect tenants. However, outdoor play surfaces may pose more of a risk and should be properly cleaned.

Solid surfaces

The CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting these high-touch surface areas in homes and offices:

  • tables
  • countertops
  • doorknobs
  • light switches
  • keyboards
  • door handles
  • desks
  • phones
  • toilets
  • sinks and faucets

Clean these when you first enter the home after the tenants have moved out.

Soft surfaces

For soft surfaces, such as sofas, rugs, or window coverings, the CDC recommends cleaning with products you typically use for such surfaces. Use warm water safe for the fabric while allowing soft surfaces to dry completely before using. 

Who are the property managers in La Jolla, CA, that I can trust with my rental turnover cleaning?

Lofty Property Management provides in-depth property management services in La Jolla Village, La Jolla, and other communities across San Diego. We will ensure your property is safe and that everything is running smoothly. Our main priority is to give you a comprehensive service executed by the highest professional standards. Our team is standing by, so set up a consultation now!