4 Property Management Stress-Savers During Stressful Times

Okay, so there was still a lot of political bickering, weird people doing weird things and all that stuff. But we didn’t have this giant pandemic to navigate and all of the various anxiety-inducing things that have come with it.

There is no denying: Things are and will be different in the days, weeks and months ahead. And, a through line is that folks are generally stressed out.

So, as a property manager, how can you put your best foot forward and positively impact the stress your tenants may be feeling? In turn, are there good deeds and exercises that can ultimately make things a little easier for them... and you, too?

Let’s start with these four practices that will help produce good vibes all around:

1) Stay educated on the latest guidelines. Particularly here in the COVID-19 era, it’s never been more important to know what you should – and need to – be doing as a landlord. This can span the proper cleaning supplies for your janitorial crew, sanitation stations for on-site amenities and so much more, on top of the regulations that have nothing to do with the pandemic itself.

2) Make a schedule and stick to it. No one likes it when the cable TV dude says, “we’ll be there between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.” That is an obnoxiously long timeframe. You don’t have to be like that with your tenants. Of course, in scheduling repairs, site visits, administrative duties and so much more, things can and may take more time than scheduled. But, scheduling appointments and discussions with your tenants – as opposed to broad timeframes – will ultimately save you and your renters a bit of stress.

3) Lay it all out. No homeowner, seller, renter or anyone that touches real estate likes to be surprised down the line, period. So, if there are specific rules, regulations and quirks that touch a property you represent, you must let your tenant know up front. In addition to saving you a prospective legal issue, it will save everyone an uncomfortable conversation in the future.

4) Stay accessible. A crisis is your time to shine. When things go wrong, that is when you need to be on your A-game. Just as you’re going to need and/or want that monthly rent payment come its due date, you’re going to need to be there for your tenants when things go atypical. If you need help managing these scenarios – which will inevitably happen – it’s best to have a property management company in-tact and ready to roll.