How to show property during COVID?

Question

I currently have tenants scheduled to move out end of August as per the lease they signed. However, when I reached out to the husband he told me that they didn't feel comfortable having people come through because the wife is immunocompromised (weakened immune system). I have stated that I would provide the necessary equipment ( gloves, mask, hand sanitizer and shoe coverings) and keep the showings to a minimum and of course when they are not home. It does say on the lease that I have the right to enter given the appropriate notice, but does this change with COVID? Is anyone else experiencing this? (Disclaimer: the property is located in PA)

Crystal Smith · Answer

Your lease may say you have the right to enter given appropriate notice, but you don't have the right to put someone's health at risk. I would ask the tenant to put the apartment in showroom condition then allow you to do a video tour. We've even had tenants do the video and send it to us. It's not preferred to have the tenant do it but sometimes there's no choice. The nice thing about the virtual tours, if done right, is how much time it saves you doing live tours for people. The challenge with video tours is you often time don't get an idea of the size of a room, especially a bedroom, from a video. So accompany the video with a simple sketch of the apartment showing the sizes of each room. If someone really likes the apartment and they meet your pre-screening requirements, then ask for permission for a live tour from your tenants.

Honestly,  I think this is how we'll operate after the pandemic is over. It's so much more efficient.

Bill Rogers · Answer

@Evan Polaski I like that Evan. They are good people and they have always been respectful. We are dealing with such an anomaly right now I just fear that it will sit vacant the longer I wait to show it. I will let it ride for the next couple weeks and check back in with them. As of now Philadelphia is still in the red so hopefully things will change in the next few weeks.

Evan Polaski · Answer

@Bill Rogers there is the saying "people over profits" that I have to remind myself of from time to time.  The ubiquitous "greater good" says you should respect your tenant's wishes, especially now.

That being said we listed a property for sale with tenants, and one was pushing back on showings, inspections, etc.  I eventually had to strongly remind the tenant that there is a 24 hour notice period in the lease.

I do not know PA rules and regulations, but if you lease gives you the right, you likely CAN show it, but again, I would recommend eating the couple weeks down time, knowing you are doing the right thing for your current tenants.

Bill Rogers · Answer

@Caryn Roberto Thanks for your feedback! Unfortunately they settle on a house June 22nd. I think I am going to take your advice and start with some virtual stuff (pics, walk-through etc.) and then just go from there.

Caryn Roberto · Answer

@Bill Rogers I agree with John, what you could do is get updated pictures and a 3D tour (I also recommend taking a cell phone video). You would be in the unit less than 30 min. We have rented units in Chicago with just the 3D tour. But I have to let you know, we’ve also lost out to other units that are currently empty and renters can view it in person. At least you can start to market and weed out the tire kickers. Can you not incentivize the current tenants to stay?

Bill Rogers · Answer

Thanks @Crystal Smith for the feedback! I took that approach and was able to get the tenants to take pictures of the unit for me to get the ball rolling.

Gregory H. · Answer

this may be a non issue. I had a tenant ask to break her lease early and leave end of May. I listed it at the beginning of May, found a renter to take her place with just a few days between. That renter rented the place without an in person showing. You have a ton of time, just take good pics, post it everywhere, take some video to give prospects a better sense of the layout/flow, and don't worry about it. Honestly, this listing for me was easier than most, because the prospective renters were understanding given the situation, and I never had to visit the property to conduct showings either, haha

John Warren · Answer

@Bill Rogers this isn't what you are going to want to hear, but I don't think it makes sense to push to show properties with tenants in place if they push back. This is normal practice for me in my apartment business here in the Chicago area, but I am taking this on a case by case basis right now. Up until this month, we didn't even have the option of showing tenant occupied units even if the tenant was ok with it. This is why we all underwrite for vacancy. The BP crowd can often dodge the vacancy bullet, but vacancies will happen.

How to show property during COVID?

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