In these uncertain times, we are constantly getting new information on the novel coronavirus and its effects every day. Unfortunately, COVID-19 is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can be passed from one person to another when in close contact (as close as 6 feet). These risks significantly increase for certain tenants living in apartment buildings or other close quarter rental spaces.

Below are some tips for Henderson and Las Vegas landlords on how to deal with coronavirus and how to help your tenants stay safe and healthy during the coronavirus pandemic.

Keep Tenants Informed

Knowledge is power when it comes to preventing the spread of COVID-19. Some of your tenants may not be following the safety guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) simply because they are not aware of them. This puts the entire building at risk if just one person is not acting responsibly.

The CDC has provided the following guidelines to help contain community spread of the COVID-19 virus, which should be provided to your tenants:

• Wash your hands well and often with soap and water (for at least 20 seconds), especially after touching surfaces that are frequently touched by others. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains 60%–95% alcohol.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when coughing and/or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your face, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home! Especially when you are sick.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• If you are experiencing any symptoms, seek care right away. Before you go to the doctor’s office or emergency room, call ahead and explain your symptoms and any recent travel, and avoid contact with others.
  
  

Help your tenants stay informed of these guidelines by sharing them however you can. If you have your tenant’s email addresses, you can easily share the news in a community email or personalized message via attaching the message directly or guiding your tenants directly to this how to deal with coronavirus blog post. You may also want to consider posting these guidelines in high traffic areas, such as building entrances, lobbies, hallways, and elevator doors. Dropping an actual note in your tenants’ mailboxes can also help to keep them informed of best safety practices.

Temporarily Close Community Areas

Keeping with social distancing rules, people should avoid gathering in groups and are urged to stay 6 feet away from other people until further notice from health officials. To help promote the safest environment for your tenants, you may want to consider temporarily closing shared community areas, such as fitness centers, pools, barbeques, and clubhouses. As an alternative, you can share information with your tenants on nearby hiking trails, parks, or walking areas where your tenants can safely exercise and get some fresh air.

Although it may seem like a drastic measure to some of your tenants, it is in the best interest of the entire community. After all, the governor has ordered that all non-essential Nevada businesses close or alter their business model in accordance with social distancing. As a Las Vegas landlord, you will be doing your part to stop the spread of the virus by limiting contact between tenants and enforcing these temporary closures.

Increase Cleaning Efforts

Take extra precautions to keep areas sanitized by increasing the frequency of regularly scheduled cleanings, especially if community areas are still open. Make sure all surfaces, doorknobs, elevator buttons, and fitness equipment are wiped down several times per day with a strong disinfectant. Make sure the cleaning company you use is providing workers with proper supplies and materials to thoroughly clean these areas.

Although you can’t control what goes on within a tenant’s unit, you can still do your part to keep public areas of the building as clean as possible. You can also recommend a cleaning service if you have one ready and willing to clean individual units. Share any relevant cleaning service contact information with your tenants and let them know of any negotiated discount if you have one in place.

Provide Supplies to Stop the Spread

If possible, you may want to install hand sanitizing stations around the rental complex to make sure your tenants are keeping their hands clean before touching door handles or elevator buttons. It could be as simple as providing hand sanitizer on every floor just outside the elevator doors or stairways.

You can also encourage your tenants to be more proactive at home by providing anti-bacterial hand soap, wipes, or cleaning supplies if you happen to have a surplus. As a measure of good faith, you should consider sharing essential goods that are in short supply at the stores, including toilet paper and paper towels. This small gesture can go a long way with your tenants, as well as limit the time they are spending away from their homes looking for these supplies.

Set the Tone by Taking COVID-19 Seriously

If your tenants sense that you have a cavalier attitude about the coronavirus crisis, they may not take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and other tenants safe. Let your tenants know that you are taking this threat seriously and are doing everything you can to keep them safe and healthy. Share specifics of your plan with your tenants and the steps you are taking to prevent the spread of the virus in the building.

Here is a great resource you can share with your tenants to keep track of the coronavirus and what’s going on specifically in Southern Nevada:

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Updates for Southern Nevada

If you need help communicating with your tenants or simply navigating this challenging time as a Las Vegas or Henderson landlord, our Black & Cherry property management team can help. Our Henderson and Las Vegas property management services can help free up some of your time to handle everything else that you have on your plate. Contact our property management team today to learn more about our services.