Duplex and visitors- Covid19

[Sean Maginess]

We have a two family- upstairs/ downstairs layout. Downstairs tenants are still having people over despite requests for social distancing. Upstairs tenants are complaining. Upstairs tenants admit they aren’t “parties,” but sounds like they don’t want any visitors at all at the house.

There are shared spaces- front and rear entries and laundry facilities in the basement. Upstairs tenants primarily work from home already and downstairs tenants are in the Navy, so still required to report to work.

Thoughts on how to handle this?

[Theresa Harris]

@Sean Maginess  If you are in an area where there is a lock down, I would send a blunt email to both sets of tenants (in the same email though bcc the two) and tell them what this means in real terms.  Also lay out what the rules are for common space.  I'd have each ensure the place is cleaned before and after use.

[Patricia Steiner]

This is really a tough situation. First, an order is imposed by the state. But your Governor has stated that no fines will be assessed to individuals who don't comply with the order.  But this virus likes everyone and should one of your tenants become infected, you'll be left with a virus infected unit that only an expensive deep clean will make livable again.  

I recommend sending both tenants an email asking them to refrain from having others to the property until the order of stay is lifted for the protection of all tenants. Share this illustration:

Source:  CT Senate

Ask for their cooperation and let them know that if they ever feel they have been placed at risk, they should contact law enforcement.  

Just today, Tampa had five university students returning from spring break who were diagnosed with the virus. And, with that, it got very quiet here.  It's a completely different city today than it was yesterday. The age range of people infected in Florida ranges from 22 to 70s - with the average age being 40. 

Hope this helps...you're sure to get a lot of opinions on this topic. Thanks for posting it. 

[Sean Maginess]

@Theresa Harris

Unfortunately, we’re not in a specific lock down state (CT), so I don’t have that to back me up. I will work on some wording and send it out to both and see where that gets me.

Thank you!

[Adam Poshka]

Its not your responsibility to tell people how to live their life. If they are having less than 10 people over than I would just tell the upstairs unit to stay self quarantined as there is nothing you can legally do. Acknowledge their concerns and try to diffuse any tension. Just remember, people are scared for their safety. They can always share their concerns with their neighbor as well.

[Patricia Steiner]

@Account Closed

I'm certainly not a cleaning expert - corona virus or not. But I based my post on a NY Times and CDC release on the disproportionate number of janitors, commercial property cleaners, and housekeepers who have contracted the virus. Even after properties were vacant for more than two days, they found that these cleaning professionals were becoming ill.  The recommendation was that all porous surfaces - like grout - needed more than a wipe down and that carpeting and even AC filters/vents might be lingering culprits. We've all seen the photos of school buses and cruise ships being cleaned and it's extensive. It's even recommended that delivery boxes be left outside for two days, then picked-up with gloved hands, placed in a plastic trash bag, sealed, thrown away, followed by hand washing.  That's for a box.  

The best way for us as landlords/owners to protect ourselves, our properties and our tenants is to avoid the virus. We are responsible for the safety of the common areas and that puts yet another hammer over our heads in this crisis.

So, thank you for the mention. As much as I hope you're right (and that bleach, Lysol, and the like will come back on store shelves soon), I think the truth is we just don't know (yet).