Doing repairs on a property during COVID

[Asif Ahmed]

I'm managing my parents' condo right now, which is a new construction building in Gaithersburg, MD. Since it's new construction, we still have access to a warranty from the builders that expires in a month. They have been having some issues with the lights, and I was able to get the builders to agree to send an electrician to replace the lights and install new switches. However, my tenant in the property is refusing to allow anyone into their unit because of the COVID risk - but if I wait, our warranty will expire. I even offered to have them be away from the unit for an hour so that I can let the electrician in and they won't be exposed, however they're worried about droplets that may remain in the air. 

I want to be sensitive to their concerns, as my family is also concerned about COVID. Has anyone had to deal with something like this? How would you guys handle this situation? 

[Filipe Pereira]

I certainly understand your tenant's concerns @Asif Ahmed, and your builders should, too. You've identified the issue within the warranty period, they've acknowledged it, and agreed to do something about it. Have you asked them if they could give you a "rain check" on the repair until things settle down a bit with COVID? I would imagine that is a reasonable request, but I could also understand if they said no. 

At the end of the day, you may have to go the route of giving notice and entering anyway. It's for your tenant's safety and it's in both of your interests that the repairs get done. Let her know the tech will wear full PPE and offer to be there during the time the work is being done.