Open Showing During Covid-19?

[Jameson Sullivan]

I have been planning to have an open showing at a rental next week prior to accepting any applications, however, in light of all that is happening I am having second thoughts. Not only should I not have too many people in one place, but it dawned on me that it may not only be a concern for the people at the showing, but for the tenant that ultimately gets the unit. The unit will be cleaned PRIOR to the showing, but not after. There likely will be more than a week between the showing and tenant moving in so I will need to look into that further, but wondering if anyone else is changing their showing/renting process in light of current events?

[Kelly N.]

I have continued to show apartments, but have been taking added precautions.  I am asking those viewing the units whether they have symptoms or possibly been exposed to COVID-19 prior to showing them the apartment.  We are using hand sanitizer and wiping down things I touch (light switches and door knobs) plus items the prospective tenants touch like handrails.

We show occupied units, and typically have leases signed 5 months before the unit will be ready for the new tenant.  I am also filming walkthrough tours to share with prospective tenants in lieu of an actual showing.  I've found it helpful to send them a video of the empty apartment as well as furnished with the current (or past) tenant's things- it makes it easier to get a sense of the space.  I had done this in the past for out of state renters, and just rented one apartment without an actual tour this week.

Once I get the last few tours filmed this week, I will have the prospective tenant view those prior to booking a tour, and feel this will likely reduce the number of tours this season.  I'll probably continue this practice moving forward.

Since we show occupied units, I never have an open house- too much risk of some unknown person swiping something that belongs to a tenant.  Even when I have an empty unit, I prefer scheduled tours- showing up on time and being able to communicate with me are part of my screening process, and I feel it's safer for me too.

Hope that helps.