Landlords dealing with restrictions amid COVID-19 pandemic

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Columbia landlords are dealing with obstacles while trying to show and lease their properties amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Rhonda Carlson with C&C Construction said the City of Columbia set questions for landlords to ask tenants before their employees can enter a property.

Carlson said the first question landlords ask is if anyone in the home is under self-isolation. Carlson added she hasn't had trouble with that yet. According to the Boone County health department, there are three active COVID-19 cases in the county.

Workers will also ask if anyone in the home has a cough, pre-existing conditions, or anything that may put the tenant or the landlord at-risk.

Some landlords are using other methods to show their properties. Carlson said some are giving virtual tours. She said it allows prospective tenants to view the properties safely.

Carlson also noted that some have gotten lucky with having vacant properties that landlords can turn into a showroom. It prevents would-be renters and property managers from entering an occupied home.

In some cases, tenants have resisted landlords entering even after the questionnaire, and in those cases, Carlson said there isn't really much a landlord can do.

She did say that in her experience everyone has been understanding of the situation.

Carlson said landlords have been cautious entering properties because of the health risk and have been doing so only when needed.