COVID-19 and House Renting: 5 Safety Steps You Need to Know

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our lives, renting a house has become a more complicated process. Whether you’re relocating for work, downsizing, or just seeking a change, it’s crucial to ensure that the process is as safe as possible, particularly concerning the risks associated with COVID-19. This guide outlines five essential steps to help you navigate renting a home during these unprecedented times while minimizing the risk of exposure to the virus.

1. Virtual House Hunting: Embrace Technology

The first step in the house-hunting process is to minimize physical interactions. Traditional methods of attending open houses and touring properties in person have been replaced by virtual alternatives. Embracing technology can keep you safe while providing a comprehensive view of potential rental properties.

Benefits of Virtual Tours

Virtual tours have become the norm in real estate, allowing you to view properties without leaving the comfort of your home. Many landlords and real estate agents offer 3D tours, video walkthroughs, and high-quality photos. These virtual tools can provide a detailed view of the property, including room dimensions, layout, and even outdoor spaces. Additionally, virtual tours often include features that let you zoom in on specific areas, giving you a closer look at details that matter to you, such as kitchen appliances, flooring, and bathroom fixtures.

How to Make the Most of Virtual Tours

To get the most out of a virtual tour, it’s essential to prepare as you would for an in-person visit. Create a checklist of what’s important to you in a rental property. This might include the number of bedrooms, storage space, natural lighting, or proximity to public transportation. During the virtual tour, ask the landlord or agent questions about aspects not easily seen in videos or photos, such as the condition of the heating and cooling systems, noise levels in the area, or potential for mold and dampness.

When a Physical Visit Is Necessary

While virtual tours are incredibly useful, there may be situations where an in-person visit is necessary, such as verifying that the property meets your accessibility needs or confirming the neighborhood’s safety. If you must visit the property, take precautions:

• Schedule a Private Viewing: Avoid open houses where multiple people are viewing the property simultaneously. Request a private appointment to limit exposure.
• Wear a Mask and Gloves: Protect yourself and others by wearing a mask and disposable gloves during the visit.
• Maintain Social Distancing: Keep a distance of at least six feet from the agent or landlord, and avoid touching surfaces as much as possible.
• Sanitize: Use hand sanitizer immediately after leaving the property and wash your hands thoroughly when you return home.

2. Research the Property and Neighborhood: Safety First

Researching the property and its neighborhood is crucial, not only for finding a home that meets your needs but also for ensuring your health and safety during the pandemic.

Evaluate the Neighborhood’s COVID-19 Status

Before deciding on a rental, investigate the COVID-19 situation in the neighborhood. Some areas may have higher rates of infection, stricter lockdowns, or limited access to healthcare facilities. The local government’s website or public health department can provide up-to-date information on COVID-19 cases, testing sites, and vaccination rates in the area.

Assess the Property’s Condition

Understanding the condition of the property is more important than ever. Older buildings may have issues such as poor ventilation, which could increase the risk of virus transmission. Ask about the age of the property, recent renovations, and whether the HVAC system is equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters.

Neighborhood Amenities and Access

Consider the proximity to essential services like grocery stores, pharmacies, and healthcare facilities. In case of future lockdowns or restrictions, it’s advantageous to have these amenities within walking or short driving distance. Additionally, check if the neighborhood supports a healthy lifestyle, such as having parks or walking paths, which can be beneficial for maintaining mental and physical health during the pandemic.

3. Review the Lease Agreement: COVID-19 Clauses

The pandemic has introduced new legal considerations for both tenants and landlords. As a renter, it’s crucial to thoroughly review the lease agreement, with particular attention to clauses that address COVID-19-related issues.

Force Majeure Clauses

The term "force majeure" refers to unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract. In the context of COVID-19, a force majeure clause might excuse a tenant from certain obligations if a pandemic or government restrictions directly impact their ability to pay rent or occupy the property. Ensure that the lease agreement includes a force majeure clause that clearly outlines what happens if another lockdown occurs or if you contract COVID-19 and cannot move in as planned.

Rent Relief and Payment Flexibility

Some landlords may offer rent relief or flexible payment options if you experience financial difficulties due to the pandemic. Discuss these possibilities upfront and ensure they are included in the lease. This might include the ability to defer rent payments, temporary reductions, or even termination of the lease without penalty if you lose your income due to COVID-19.

Maintenance and Safety Protocols

The lease should also specify the landlord’s responsibilities regarding maintenance and safety protocols. This includes regular cleaning of common areas, prompt repairs to ensure the property’s safety, and clear guidelines on what to do if a tenant in the building tests positive for COVID-19. Understanding these terms will help you know what to expect and ensure that your living environment remains safe.

4. Move-In Day Precautions: Minimize Contact

Moving day can be hectic, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s essential to take extra precautions to reduce the risk of exposure.

Hire a Safe Moving Company

If you’re hiring a moving company, choose one that follows strict COVID-19 safety protocols. This includes wearing masks, frequent hand sanitization, and minimizing physical contact. Some companies offer contactless moving services, where movers handle your belongings without direct interaction with you.

Staggered Moving Schedule

If you’re moving into a multi-unit building, coordinate with the landlord or property manager to arrange a staggered moving schedule. This reduces the likelihood of encountering other tenants in hallways, elevators, or stairwells, thus minimizing the risk of virus transmission.

Sanitize Your New Home

Before settling into your new home, perform a thorough cleaning and disinfection, especially on high-touch surfaces such as door handles, light switches, and faucets. Even if the property was cleaned before your arrival, a second round of sanitization can provide peace of mind. Use disinfectants that meet the EPA’s criteria for use against the virus that causes COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2).

Limit the Number of Helpers

While it’s tempting to invite friends or family to help with the move, limiting the number of people involved is safer. If you do need assistance, ensure everyone wears masks, maintains social distancing, and frequently washes their hands.

5. Set Up a COVID-19-Safe Living Environment: Long-Term Strategies

Once you’ve moved in, maintaining a COVID-19-safe living environment is crucial, especially if you share your space with roommates or family members.

Establish Household Guidelines

If you’re living with others, establish clear guidelines to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission within the household. These should cover areas such as:

• Sanitation Practices: Regular handwashing, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and maintaining cleanliness in shared spaces like kitchens and bathrooms.
• Social Distancing: Implementing social distancing within the home, especially if someone works outside the house or attends school in person.
• Quarantine Procedures: Have a plan in place if someone in the household shows symptoms of COVID-19 or tests positive. This might involve isolating the individual in a separate room, using a separate bathroom if available, and wearing masks inside the house.

Ventilation and Air Quality

Good ventilation is vital in reducing the spread of airborne viruses. Ensure your home has adequate airflow by opening windows regularly, using exhaust fans, and maintaining your HVAC system. Consider investing in an air purifier with a HEPA filter to further improve air quality, especially in rooms where social distancing is difficult.

Health Monitoring

Stay vigilant by regularly monitoring your health and that of your household members. Use tools like a thermometer or a pulse oximeter to keep track of symptoms. If anyone develops symptoms, such as fever, cough, or loss of taste or smell, it’s essential to self-isolate and seek medical advice immediately.

Create a Safe Social Bubble

Finally, consider creating a “social bubble” with a small group of people who agree to limit their interactions with others. This can help you maintain social connections while reducing the risk of exposure to COVID-19.

Conclusion

Renting a house during the COVID-19 pandemic requires extra caution and careful planning. By embracing virtual tours, thoroughly researching the property and neighborhood, carefully reviewing the lease agreement, taking precautions on move-in day, and setting up a COVID-19-safe living environment, you can significantly reduce your risk of exposure to the virus. As the situation continues to evolve, staying informed and adaptable is key to ensuring that your rental experience is both safe and successful.