Recommendations for Rental Properties

In situations of major health emergencies, such as the H1N1 Flu Outbreak of early 2009, certain steps are recommended for rental properties to help protect against spread of disease and resident panic.

Some good general precautions include*:

•   Have hand sanitizer available for your employees and people who enter the leasing office or common areas.

•   Remind your employees that if they are sick, they shouldn’t come to work.

•   Consider having your employees who enter rental units take proper precautions to prevent the possible disease transmission.

•   Consider closing or posting warnings in public areas of your rental community such as pools, recreation/fitness centers, and laundry facilities.

•   Review any policies you may have on telecommuting if it’s appropriate.

* If you modify existing or establish new policies, you should make sure that they are compliant with existing laws.

The most important thing is to remain calm and encourage your residents to simply use common sense precautions when going into public places. Talk with your employees to help them understand the situation.