As states begin to lift stay-at-home orders, landlords are preparing to welcome tenants back into physical spaces. Creating safe public spaces where tenants and their guests can fell comfortable will be essential to operating a successful property in a post-pandemic world.

In developing a re-opening plan, landlords should start by designating a person to handle all COVID-19-related communication, including distributing information and responding to needs and questions from tenants, according to Michael C. Cato, a partner with Crosbie Gliner Schiffman Southard & Swanson. "Tenants, occupants and service providers need to know who they can look to for guidance," he tells GlobeSt.com. "Information should be disseminated as widely as possible and landlords should use multiple channels to communicate."

This will also include communicating new guidelines and requirements implemented by state and local governments. "Landlords must post all signage required by law," says Cato. "With the legal landscape evolving on a daily basis, landlords must monitor developments and make sure that all signage for all applicable entry requirements or recommendations are posted. If face coverings are required or entry is prohibited for certain people, for example anyone who has a cough or fever, signs should be posted prominently at all entrances and tenants should be alerted by email and other regular channels of communication."