How Landlords Should Be Preparing to Re-Open

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.”

Re-opening could also require that landlords make necessary modifications to a property. These changes should help to facilitate social distancing and help tenants and occupants comply with new safety rules. Cato says potential building modifications include: installing markings on floors and walkways to indicate safe distances for any queues or waiting areas; installing plexiglass barriers to help separate reception, security and other onsite personnel from visitors; and for buildings that require visitor registration, landlords should research touchless registration options.

In addition, landlords might consider restricting meetings and gathering within the building to help stave off future outbreaks and virus spread. “Consider reduced occupancy limits for meeting spaces and indoor common areas and removing any shared equipment,” says Cato. “Furniture and equipment in all areas should be removed or rearranged to accommodate social distancing requirements.”

Common areas will also be off limited in the initial re-opening period. “Consider extending closures of fitness facilities. If health officials advise fitness facilities may be used safely, then consider reducing maximum occupancy limits, removing or rearranging equipment, closing common changing areas and imposing time limits to promote lower density and social distancing,” says Cato. “Also consider obtaining waivers from any person electing to use the facilities, expressly assuming the risk of infection or other harm.” Monitoring common areas will also include establishing maximum occupancy limits for lobbies.

Finally, some building owners may even consider conducting their own health-and-safety checks for onsite management staff; however, Cato warns against implementing the same policy for tenants. “It is not advisable to independently screen tenants or their visitors as a condition to entering the property,” he explains. “Without a clear understanding of liability landlords may incur, the potential risk could significantly outweigh the potential benefits.”

These changes are likely to be temporary, and landlords can loosen these restrictions in conjunction with local governments and progress in containing the outbreak. “While many amenities may remain closed for now, landlords should monitor health and safety guidelines to determine best practices for phased reopening of shared spaces,” says Cato.