How to Find a Rental Home While Social Distancing During Coronavirus (COVID-19)
COVID-19, more commonly known as Coronavirus, is changing how we navigate our everyday lives, including for renters looking for their new rental home. In-person tours are no longer an option for most in-market renters trying to find a rental home while social distancing. However, technology and social platforms have now empowered renters to continue their search for their next dream home while still practicing social distancing.
Below is some helpful advice to consider when trying to find a rental home while social distancing.
Watch virtual property tours
Virtual property tours are a great way to view a property without physically being there. Video and 3D tours are helpful as they allow you to envision standing in the home and navigating the space. On Rentals.com, you can find listings that have virtual tours. Simply look for the virtual tour link in each individual listing.
Use video chat to communicate with landlords
Thanks to modern technology, you don’t have to be in the same physical place to speak with someone face-to-face. Social platforms such as Facetime, Skype, Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger let you directly communicate “in-person” with landlords and property managers when trying to find a rental home while social distancing.
If the landlord or manager of a rental you’re interested in is able to physically go to the property, ask to do a virtual tour with them. You’ll be able to ask questions during the tour, no different than if you were physically there with them.
If you’re not sure how to use this technology, we can help.
If available, look at floor plans
It may be difficult to imagine living in a particular rental home by simply looking at photos and/or watching a virtual property tour. These are where floor plans are useful as they help you get a good idea of the property’s layout and the size of each room. You can also get a sense of spaces you may have not otherwise thought much about, like closets and extra storage areas.
Fill out applications online
While some landlords may have their applications available for download, make sure the application can also be submitted online. At a minimum, ask if it can be submitted via email once complete.
Rentals.com allows landlords to collect online applications from prospective tenants, and many rental homes on our site have already implemented this offering. However, if there’s a rental you’re interested in that doesn’t have these set-up, ask the landlord or property manager to sign up for our application and tenant screening platform — it’s completely free for them.
The concerns surrounding Coronavirus or COVID-19 have undoubtedly impacted you and your family, making looking for a new rental home more complex than usual. We hope these tips will be helpful as you navigate through your rental search during these unprecedented times.
