With so much happening in and around San Francisco, the last thing you should worry about is how safe a rental is.
But, with how uncertain times are…do you even know what constitutes ‘safe’? Especially now, considering how quickly guidelines, regulations, and precautions are changing.
However, there are a number of things you can do to safeguard your properties and allow for comfortable living in the COVID-19 day and age.
We’ve taken some of our best advice and condensed it into a few key features below.
Open Communication
It’s no secret that times are tough. But, things will be immensely more stressful if tenants can’t get in touch with you when they need to (and vice versa).
There is nothing more aggravating than needing to discuss a serious matter and not being able to reach someone directly.
That’s why you need to make sure that communication is easy, simple, and fool-proof. To do this, you need to outline exactly how and where you can be contacted.
At PMI San Francisco, we have an online platform set up, direct line, and agents that are ready and able to handle inquiries 24/7. That way, if any issues arise with the property itself, or if tenants are struggling, there is no excuse for not reaching out.
Unexpected Resources
With more than 70,000 rental units in San Francisco, the rental market has always been notoriously busy.
Though the Bay Area, known for its somewhat higher rental costs, and close living quarters might have been a dream for some down-town lovers in the past. In times of a pandemic, these features can come as quite a scare.
That’s why we encourage you to update your tenants on the ever-changing regulations. For example, providing direct links and notifications to the many supports and guidelines that Mayor Breed has come out with.
As well, consider offering unexpected supports. For example, as opposed to in-person events, try organizing online classes, virtual meetings, and remote ‘gatherings’ to get people in your units connected to one another.
These small gestures can help to alleviate some of the stress and mental anguish that your tenants are going through.
Transparent Service Providers
Of course, cleaning a unit before and after every short-term renter is important. But, now more than ever, it is imperative. It’s now your duty to let tenants (and potential tenants) know exactly how and what was used to disinfect.
Therefore, be completely transparent with who was cleaning the unit (if it was a company, tell them the name) and what products they use. When hiring a cleaner, ensure that they are using EPA-registered household disinfectants. For a list of approved items look here. You should also confirm with them what steps they are personally taking to combat the spread of the virus.
These questions should also be asked of any maintenance or contract worker that is hired. (i.e. are they handwashing, glove changing, using air ventilation, or masks, etc.)
At PMI San Francisco, we believe you should know who you are hiring. That’s why we only work with trusted and carefully-vetted vendors. So you don’t have to worry about the stress of sourcing an unfamiliar person to handle the job.
Touch-Free Features
The future is now when it comes to hands-free devices. That’s why we recommend upgrading as many features in and around the property as possible to eliminate touchpoints.
For example: consider implementing an online portal for residents and prospective tenants. Like with our online system, tenants can put in maintenance requests, see building updates, pay their rent, and send notifications all online, and without having to meet in person.
Plus, this helps streamline communication because you’ll be able to track and access requests remotely. You’ll also have access anytime to all of your tenant’s contact details. Meaning, in the event that someone is late paying or falling behind, you will easily be able to spot it and reach out.
We also suggest looking into virtual tours of your property. This allows people to view the units with the help of photography and video as opposed to in-person meetings.
Plus, with new programming, even rental agreements can all be completed online. Simply send over the documents, have your tenants save, scan, sign, and send it back with a deposit.
Finally, we suggest inputting remote locks, thermostats, and cameras. This prevents you from having to physically visit the property to change the locks or correct temperatures in the building every time someone new moves in. And, you can remotely check-in to the common areas, regardless of where you are in the world.
Ultimately, it’s up to all of us to step up and work together to get through this. But, with some persistence, communication, and adapting; creating a safe rental environment is possible.
If you’d like more information on safeguarding your rental or just a bit of industry info please get in touch with a member of our team. Or, call us at 416-569-2998, and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook.
