Coronavirus & Tenants "Self-Quarantining"

[Art Maydan]

I'm starting to run into tenants not wanting to accommodate showings, repairs, appraisal inspections, whatever. In Chicago, we can enter after giving 48 hours' notice. I always try to keep it amicable and make sure the tenant is OK with somebody entering. I'm trying to predict how this will play out if we get past the amicable stage in an environment of this flu thingie. Really don't want to get cops and locksmiths involved just to get my listings filled. How are you guys handling pushback?

[Ricardo R.]

@Art Maydan what happens if a self-quarantined tenant contacts COVID-19 from one of your showings? Who is responsible? Are you liable and will you get sued? Truth be told I think there is a lot of overreaction to the ongoing pandemic but you are also potentially playing with peoples lives and going against all the current recommendations of social distancing and recommendations to self-quarantine.

Gloves, masks, and other PPE during showings is all good but it doesn’t guarantee that you won’t introduce a carrier into their apartment which will leave COVID-19 behind after the showing... you would be held liable if push came to shove. Ask yourself if you would be willing to GUARANTEE that your tenant won’t contract COVID-19 from your showings, would guarantee a million dollar payout if it occurred? If the answer is ‘no’ then either stop showing non-vacant units or find another safer way of filling vacancies. Hope this helps.