Living under these new normal circumstances has proven to be quite challenging for a lot of people. Property maintenance is already a challenge in itself, it has been made even more difficult with the present situation.
Property owners and managers from different parts of the country are faced with certain predicaments that need to be immediately answered and addressed.
Should they allow building repairs in their property? How will they have their HVAC undergo testing, adjusting, and balancing? What are the limitations of plumbing work in their area?
Several folks across the nation were in the middle of property maintenance and improvements when the pandemic struck. What will happen to them and those in other similar situations?
Government Provisions for These Situations
The good news is the government has certain provisions in place for instances like these under the condition that the work being carried out is absolutely needed.
If you choose to continue working at home, the tradesperson should not be sick and have no symptoms of COVID-19. No work should be done in households that are observing isolation or have occupants that are at risk.
Safety Measures Property Owners and Managers Should Put in Place
1. Communicate legal restrictions to residents and tenants.
As a property owner or manager, it is your responsibility to stay updated and informed about certain government protocols in response to this pandemic. You need to clearly communicate to your tenants the said guidelines given by the CDC or the state or both.
2. Ensure everyone gets the memo.
It is not just enough that you get the word out by posting a memo on the community board. Consider that not everyone pays attention to it or some may not even regularly step out to check on your latest announcements.
Ensure that each and every household or apartment knows what the new property maintenance procedures are. You can utilize slipping brochures under their doors or making announcements online.
3. Prioritize the safety of your building staff.
Your staff’s health is paramount to the safety of your property as they are the ones who go around your place to take care of their needs. Provide PPEs for them and implement social distancing as strictly as possible.
4. Cut down personal interaction with residents and tenants.
If you’re used to going door-to-door or having your tenants proceed to your office for payment and other concerns, under the new normal consider providing drop boxes or setting up an online payment system for the protection of all parties.
5. Limit the property’s exposure to outsiders.
Enforce stricter guidelines when it comes to outsider access to your property. Delivery people or other service-based professionals should be provided with gloves and disposable overshoes. Deliveries can be received and handled by a doorman to be brought to the tenants.
6. Keep all communal amenities and facilities closed.
Until we’re certain that we’re safe from the virus or that a vaccine or cure has been discovered, keep all communal amenities closed for the time being and discourage gatherings in common areas.
Everyone will need to adapt to this new normal we’re seeing now. While the improvement and maintenance of our buildings and facilities are needed, our health is much more important at this time.
