Combatting COVID-19: 7 Ways to Encourage Current Residents

Our country is in week two of instituting strict social distancing policies caused by COVID-19. With states motioning “shelter in place”, being stuck indoors may have your current residents in need of some encouragement during these uncertain times. 

Last week, REPLI talked about ways to provide online leasing and tours to potential renters (click here to view).

This week, we are combating COVID-19 by giving you 7 ways for apartment communities to encourage current residents. Your apartment community’s response to this pandemic is one of the most important factors in building trust and relationships with your residents. Use our ideas below to combat COVID-19 by bringing encouragement to your renters!

Providing timely, accurate, and regular communication to your residents is crucial. During a crisis, the more distribution of validated information the better. Be sure to have available resident contact information based on the channel you decide to utilize. Mediums for communications could be the following: email, community website, app-based notifications, text messaging, etc. 

Resident communications should consist of regular updates regarding your apartment community’s approach to COVID-19. It is important to be transparent yet sensitive to your residents. If unsure of how to respond, we encourage to use CDC resources to develop an awareness of the facts surrounding COVID-19 along with prevention measures to implement. 

Encourage current residents by implementing protective measures around your apartment community. Display hand sanitizing stations strategically around the community allowing residents to sanitize themselves after using the elevator or opening a door. Also, communicate to your resident the precautions of your facility and staff such as frequently wiping down countertops, furniture, and using gloves. 

Signage is one of the most important and effective ways to show your residents the safeguards and precautions being exercised. Place signs in bathrooms guiding residents and visitors to wash their hands. In addition, simply placing signs around the community about basic hygiene can remind and encourage residents to comply.  

Many people are suffering from the loss of income as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. This could potentially hinder the ability of residents to pay their rent on time. The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC) stated that they are working with Congress for federal support that includes rental payment assistance for Americans who have been financially affected during the pandemic. 

For the time being, a way you can help residents feel secure is by providing payment flexibility. Offer residents who have been negatively affected by the crisis with payment plans. Another option to consider is waiving late fees and other administrative costs over the next 30-day period. 

These care packages could include a small basket filled with quarantine related products such as hand sanitizer, disinfectant spray, toilet paper, Clorox wipes, and throw in a family puzzle or game. This small act could be what makes them extend their lease for another year. 

Online check-ins are a simple way to encourage current residents while creating engagement on your social media. Host an Instagram and/or Facebook live with the community manager and allow residents to post comments and questions. You can provide updates and give encouragement reenforcing you are all in this together. 

Likewise, check-ins provide a community for your residents without leaving their apartment homes. Promote the check-in across your social platforms and create incentives for them to join such as a giveaway. For other apartment social media ideas, check out this blog post !

The CDC considers the elderly and people with chronic conditions to be at a higher risk from the coronavirus. Reach out to your at-risk tenants and ask if they need assistance. 

Ways to provide assistance for at-risk residents:

A simple phone call can provide encouragement for your at-risk community members. Make them a high priority during this time by letting them know you’re available to help and assist. 

It’s more than likely that your residents are bored cooped up in their apartment. So, fill your social media content with fun activities they can do during the quarantine. Activities to suggest are at-home workouts, baking bread, organizing a cabinet, arts & crafts, etc. 

In addition, create an organic social media campaign and post an apartment-friendly activity every day. Ask your followers to post their activity with a specific hashtag. This is an easy and effective way to create traffic to your page, but it also gives your residents and followers something fun to do. 

At the end of the day, it’s all about the safety and well-being of your residents. Social distancing may have community members scared, bored, and potentially unaware. Use these 7 ways to encourage your current residents today!

 Be an uplifting and clarifying voice in a time of uncertainty. That’s what members of your apartment community need right now. 

For more information or questions, please contact us here. We’d love to schedule a time to talk with you!