Chicago Property Owners Guide to Coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic has caused a spike in Illinois unemployment as people experience unexpected job loss and furloughs. As a result, many are unable to pay their rent and turn to their landlords for assistance. Faced with safety precautions and tenants who are unable to make rent payments, Chicago property owners continue to adapt to the challenges brought on by the Coronavirus pandemic.

Below is a list of tips to help Chicago landlords and owners keep their tenants safe and their buildings clean.

Recoup Losses & Collect Rent Payments

As the pandemic affects unemployment, landlords/owners are left wondering how they can collect tenants’ rent payment and recoup losses during COVID-19. READ MORE →

Tips for Property Owners During Coronavirus Pandemic:

Spring Clean

Frequently clean and disinfect all common areas- potentially limit access to unnecessary rooms.
Pay particular attention to frequently touched surfaces (door handles, stairway railings, elevator buttons, reception desks, laundry room equipment, etc.)
Encourage tenants to clean their own units to help prevent further spreading.

Practicing Safe hygiene

Cleaning staff and others should clean hands often, including immediately after removing gloves and when entering/leaving a building.
Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

Practicing Physical Distancing

Everyone should keep 6 feet between themselves and others, whenever possible.
Building staff should wear masks if they need to be closer than 6 ft from occupants.
If possible, limit the number of people allowed in the elevator at one time to avoid crowding.

Handling Building Deliveries (ex: packages or food deliveries)

Occupants should maintain physical distancing when getting packages or mail, & when entering or exiting the building.
Buildings that allow packages to be left in the lobby or with front desk staff, may want to consider dropping packages outside the occupant’s door.
Tenants can utilize the “special instructions” section offered on some delivery apps to ask that packages be left at the door outside in an effort to minimize person-to-person contact and touching of surfaces.

What if repairs are needed in a specific unit (for example, plumbing, maintenance)?

Limit repairs to only those that are urgent
Reschedule non-urgent cases if a tenant is sick or take special precautions.
Building occupants should maintain social distancing while the work is being done, and clean and disinfect work areas afterward.
Building staff should clean their hands thoroughly before entering the unit and after they leave.

Do COVID-19 cases need to be reported?

Residents do not need to self-report to building management if they are sick.
The Chicago Department of Public Health does not need property managers to notify the city about residents who test positive for COVID-19 and will not notify building owners or occupants if a resident tests positive.

Keeping Open Communication with Tenants

Post safety precautions/tips around the building.
Send emails letting your tenants know what measures are being taken to keep them safe.

The CDC offers a variety of detailed guidelines and practices for keeping facilities clean during COVID-19.