Blog Post

Handling the Ongoing Pandemic as a Lee's Summit Landlord

December 3, 2020

The COVID pandemic is proving to be an active and ongoing crisis that requires some creativity and flexibility when you’re renting out a Lee’s Summit home. You may be struggling to collect rent from your tenants or working overtime just to meet your own financial obligations.

What we’ve learned from this strange year is that property management systems are essential in dealing with unexpected emergencies. When you’re able to communicate openly, fall back on reliable and effective processes, and transition quickly thanks to your technology and your experience, it’s a lot easier to keep your head above water.

Today, we’re talking about what to expect from the coming months and how to prepare for things to get better or worse.

Tenant Eviction Moratoriums are Still in Place

The federal eviction moratorium that’s currently in place comes at the direction of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) because mass evictions can quickly turn into a public health catastrophe. For landlords, this means that you cannot evict a tenant who is experiencing a financial setback due to the pandemic. We expect this moratorium will likely continue through the end of the year.

This does not mean your tenants are forgiven all the rent that they owe you. To be protected by this moratorium, your tenants will have to disclose that they’re unable to pay rent due to the pandemic, and they’ll have to document their job loss, reduced hours, or limited salary.

We have been able to successfully work with our tenants to limit the impact on our rental revenues. If you are finding that you cannot get rent paid by your tenants, we recommend that you work with them as much as you can. Find out what they can pay and try to set up some type of payment arrangement or plan. Be prepared to make concessions. If they can’t pay the rent this month because they have no money, asking them to pay everything next month probably won’t work. Get what you can from your residents, and don’t forget to be flexible and empathetic. These are not normal times.

Maintaining Rental Homes During COVID

Maintenance has been a bit of a challenge with a highly contagious virus taking hold of the country. This does not mean you should neglect maintenance issues. Encourage your tenants to continue reporting repair issues. You don’t want to be left with a long list of deferred maintenance issues.

There are smart ways to manage the repair process when you have to send a vendor to the property. Make sure you’re working with vendors who take safety precautions seriously. They should wear masks and gloves and be prepared to disinfect everything they touch while making a repair.

Keeping People and Properties Safe

If you have not already embraced technology-driven tools such as contact-free showings and online signatures for things like applications and lease agreements, now is the time to move in that direction. You need to show your current and potential residents that their safety is a priority for you. Very few residents want to show up at a crowded open house, so re-think your strategy for showing properties. Many people have installed lockboxes on their doors, and there are security measures in place to ensure your property is protected. You can also do a virtual showing on FaceTime or Skype.

This is a good time to review and update your emergency plans. No one anticipated this pandemic and certainly no one imagined it would last throughout most of the year. You want a process and a policy in place for things like pandemics, blizzards, fires, and floods.

We know this is an especially difficult and anxious time for Lee’s Summit rental property owners. If you’d like some help navigating through this pandemic and its after-effects, contact us at Midwest Property Resources.

Since its founding in 2011, Midwest Property Resources has been innovating property management and leasing in eastern Jackson County, northern Cass County, Missouri as well as Johnson County, KS, serving the communities of Lee’s Summit, Blue Springs, Greenwood, Raymore, Independence, Overland Park, and others that surround them.

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Best Tips for Self-Managing your Rental Properties

By Trisha Goodale • March 17, 2023

Owning and managing rental properties can be a lucrative business, but it comes with its own set of challenges. From screening tenants to handling maintenance requests, property management requires a lot of time and effort. Here are some tips to help you effectively manage your rental properties and maximize your returns. Set clear expectations Before a tenant moves in, make sure to set clear expectations about the rental agreement. This includes the rent amount, due date, late fees, maintenance responsibilities, and any other rules or regulations. Having a clear agreement in place can prevent misunderstandings and disputes down the line. Screen tenants thoroughly A thorough screening process can help you find reliable tenants who will take care of your property and pay rent on time. Ask for references, run background and credit checks, and verify income and employment. It's also a good idea to have a conversation with potential tenants to get a sense of their personality and communication style. Maintain the property regularly Regular maintenance can prevent small issues from turning into big ones and keep your property in good condition. Schedule regular inspections and make sure to address any repairs or maintenance requests promptly. You can also consider hiring a professional property management company to handle maintenance tasks for you. Communicate effectively Good communication is key to a successful landlord-tenant relationship. Be responsive to tenant requests and keep them informed of any changes or updates related to the property. Establish clear communication channels and respond promptly to calls, emails, or messages. Keep accurate records Maintaining accurate records can help you stay organized and ensure that you are in compliance with local laws and regulations. Keep records of rent payments, maintenance requests, inspections, and any other relevant documents. Consider using property management software to streamline your record-keeping process. Know your legal obligations As a landlord, you have legal obligations to your tenants, including providing safe and habitable living conditions, respecting their privacy, and following eviction procedures if necessary. Make sure you are familiar with local laws and regulations related to rental properties and comply with them at all times. Of course, if you have a property in Lee's Summit, Raymore, Blue Springs or other surrounding areas, we'd love to assist you with all of your property management needs.

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