The coronavirus pandemic has negatively affected our lives; people lost their jobs, some were forced to relocate, and we all have to adjust to the new normal.

But now that the economy is slowly reopening and people are rebuilding their lives anew, this could mean a lot to the rental housing industry: people are looking for new homes because of their new jobs or because a change of environment is what’s practical for them for now.

However, as a landlord, property manager, or rental agent, you have to first prepare safety measures in conducting your business operations. And one of the things you should prepare for is how you can conduct house tours to potential clients without compromising anyone’s health. Here are a few tips…

Brief your clients before the tour schedule

It is important to let the client know about the safety protocols you will put in place during the walkthrough. Inform them of the rules they have to follow while they are inside the property, such as wearing face masks and face shields.

On the day of the scheduled tour and before you meet face to face, make sure that both you and the client/s are not experiencing any symptoms of coronavirus such as fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, or body aches. Also, make sure that they have no recent contact with an individual suspected or diagnosed with COVID-19.

If they are symptomatic or have a history of exposure, you have to cancel or reschedule the tour.

Limit the number of people

As much as possible, the house tour should include 3 people at most, including yourself. If you’re renting out a single-family home, request your client to not bring their children to the tour since they are more at risk to suffer complications brought by coronavirus. If possible, only one representative from the household will be present for the viewing.

Conduct a virtual tour first

Virtual house tours are on the rise in the new normal because it minimizes person-to-person contact. In the case of family tenants, this is also a good chance for the children to see the place. If they still request to view the property in person after the virtual tour, that is when you schedule a walkthrough with their chosen representative.

This is also one way for you to limit face-to-face property showings to only the genuinely interested clients. The lesser house tours you conduct, the lesser your risk of exposure.

Observe social distancing

During the tour, make sure you observe a 6-foot distance from your client as you go around the house because that is the recommended distance to minimize transmission.

Regulate touching of any surface. If touching is necessary, make sure to disinfect the surface immediately with anti-bacterial wipes.

Finding new tenants amidst the pandemic is not impossible. However, you have to be responsible enough to protect yourself and other people from contracting the virus.

As long as you apply precautionary health measures, you can continue to market your properties. Publish your listing on Padleads, post it on high-traffic rental platforms, and prepare yourself to entertain rental applicants who would be eager to view your property.