What we’re doing in response to Covid – 19

The lockdown has made being a property manager rather tricky along with many other jobs out there. Each week we would normally be out inspecting properties, organising maintenance jobs, vetting new tenants, talking to potential landlords and visiting new properties.

The lockdown has put the pressure on many businesses around the country and has made them think differently in the way they operate, and Nice Place is no exception. Here’s what we’re doing in responding to Covid – 19 to ensure the safety and ongoing service for tenants, landlords and staff.

Our tenants
We have contacted our tenants asking them to make contact with us if they are experiencing substantial reductions to their incomes, thus making rent payments difficult. Unfortunately, most of our landlords have fixed outgoings that prevent them from making reductions and many of them have also lost their income at present, so any changes are having to be carefully negotiated. We’d much prefer tenants to contact us about their situation rather than simply miss a rent payment.

Due to isolation we are also not performing property inspections, however some of our property managers are working with tenants to complete inspections together using the technology available.

Our landlords
Because our team are able to work from home, we are operating business as usual. So, our landlords can be reassured that our team are still closely monitoring the incoming rents, discussing any issues with tenants as they happen and raising situations with property owners if they need to be made aware of them. We have essential repairs services in place with our contractors for any emergencies. Our systems allow us to log other non-urgent calls with our suppliers so that they are will be taken care of after the lockdown.

Our team
Our team are still working hard, albeit from home. We have a daily morning Zoom call that provides us with a social and work catchup where we can all have some interaction. It is a great opportunity to discuss the issues and situations that have come up over the previous 24 hours and find solutions in the uncharted waters we are currently in. Working like this allows us to stay in our respective ‘bubble’ with family and pets.

Maintenance and inspections
It remains to be seen how well video inspections work, but we are always looking at alternatives, which will prepare us for delivering virtual services in the future where it is needed. There are many new platforms and products hitting the market to deal with these challenges.

Regular non-urgent maintenance is on hold, although still being logged for attention later. We have arrangements in place with all our suppliers who may be called on to provide urgent and essential repairs so we’re asking tenants to please phone us for anything, if it is non-essential so it can be logged and recorded.

We are still available 24/7 so if there is an emergency with your property please don’t hesitate to contact us via email or text.

Stay at home and stay safe.