Helping Renters Find Ways to Connect During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Social distancing requirements can have most feeling isolated and far removed from loved ones. Finding ways to stay connected during these trying times can have a positive impact on a person’s mental health and overall well-being. Here are a few tips to help renters feel less secluded in the midst of the coronavirus lockdown.
Offer Online Services
Offering online services to pay for rent, make repair requests, and submit forms can help renters practice social distancing while still conducting business as usual. Provide step-by-step guidance on how tenants can set up online payments or submit requests. The easier you make it, the more people will use it.
Provide Transparency Through Frequent Communications
You should be providing regular updates via text, email, signage, and newsletters regarding the coronavirus and how it affects renters. Let renters know about changes to office hours or staff and what steps you are taking to ensure their safety during the pandemic. It is undoubtedly a stressful time for most people, let renters know what you are doing to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Provide Resources for Renters
There are a number of resources available to help people stay connected while adhering to social distancing guidance. Provide a list of resources to renters to help them with paying bills online, scheduling grocery deliveries, partaking in a virtual fitness class, or providing distance learning resources for kids that are home from school.
Host Virtual Get-Togethers
You can also schedule things like virtual happy hours or book clubs through apps such as GoToMeeting, Skype, and Zoom. Feeling connected does not have to mean being physically next to each other—our new normal means embracing technology.
Be Honest and Open and Ask for the Same in Return
The abrupt shutdown of the economy has left many people without a paycheck. Ask that renters be straightforward with you regarding rent struggles. There are state and local programs that can help with housing during these incredible times. Keep an open line of communication with renters and ask that they do the same. Always be forthright about any changes to your repair or inspection policies and make sure to provide real-time information regarding any known outbreaks in your area.
Contact SCREM Today for More Information
At Southern California Real Estate Management, we have connected renters with their perfect homes and owners with their perfect tenants. We continue our mission in these unique times. Contact SCREM today at (661) 417-0637 for more information on how we can help and to speak directly to a real estate expert. We are here to help you find out why we are the only property management company in Santa Clarita with an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.