To mask or not to mask, that is the question!

[Isaac S.]

I recently came across a prematurely closed thread about masking...

The perspective tenant had requested a mask, in a not mask friendly area, from a landlord that is not interested in masking, and sees the masks as politically charged.

I have always viewed landlording, as a customer service business. I once had a tenant provide me with boot covers when entering her apartment to work, and I was not offended and in fact, I started stocking the boot covers and offering to wear them in all the units, as a sign of courtesy and respect for the tenants home. Most did not care, but, the few that did, were very happy, impressed, and extremely clean tenants, so it was net positive, IMHO. 

 it seems like a reasonable accommodation, to wear a mask, and/or boot covers or gloves or any other Personal Protective Equipment that helps provide a superior experience at my properties, over the competition.

Yes, this could potentially open you up to a manipulative tenant that tries to have you jumping through hoops, but, in my experience, it usually just makes me stand out more as customer service oriented individual that is highly empathetic, and willing to provide superior service that is above and beyond. If they try and manipulate me, I can always draw a line in the sand later.

As real estate owners, it is easy to feel a level of control and entitlement of being able to do it..."my way or the highway"...but, you are also customer service manager and need to be humbly thinking of yourself as a servant to your tenants, when you are doing the duties of maintenance and leasing.

Please share your thoughts and criticism!