What should area apartment residents should be aware of during COVID-19 outbreak?

The Houston Apartment Association answers general questions related to apartment living during the coronavirus oubreak.

Can my landlord limit repairs to emergency situations only?

Yes. For the safety and well-being of maintenance employees and residents, many landlords have limited repairs to emergency situations only.

This should allow a landlord to address conditions that materially affect the physical health or safety of an ordinary tenant. Please cooperate with your landlord by respecting social distancing recommendations when maintenance personnel are in your unit.

Either go into a separate room or be mindful of the CDC’s guidelines for remaining 6 feet away from others.

If my landlord is not responding to my maintenance request, can I fix things in my apartment myself ?

Most leases do not allow you to fix things yourself or alter the apartment in any way.

Before you embark on a project, you should communicate with your landlord and get the landlord’s permission. The landlord may be interested in knowing what you plan to do, what materials you would be using and what contractor, if any, you intend to retain.

Is my landlord authorized to close common area amenities during the pandemic period?

Yes, during this crisis, many communities are following CDC’s recommendations with respect to practicing social distancing and taking measures to limit the spread of the virus. As a result, many properties are closing common-area amenities, requesting that you pay rent online, restricting the management office to employees only, and limiting repairs to only emergency situations.

We realize that these actions may be inconvenient but are intended to help protect you, your neighbors and people who work at the property.

If I need to move into a new apartment, can I do so in a county that has issued a “stay-at-home” order?

Most of the orders contain language indicating that persons may leave their residences for “essential activities.” Essential activities typically include engaging in activities or performing tasks essential to a person’s health and safety, or to the health and safety of a person’s family or household members.

Essential activities also include obtaining necessary services. If you are relocating your place of residence because your current lease has terminated or if you have scheduled a move-in date during the period of a stay-at-home order, you should be considered to be engaging in activities that are essential to your health and safety.

Does my landlord have to notify me when someone tests positive in my community?

Although many landlords may notify residents when someone has tested positive in the community, the landlord is not obligated to do so.

The Harris County Health Department should work with the person’s doctor and inform people with whom the infected person was in contact that they may be at risk.

What should I do if I have to self-isolate in my apartment?

To avoid unnecessary contact, or maintenance staff entering your unit, consider notifying the management that you are undergoing self-isolation or quarantine.

• Avoid close contact with other people and pets.

• Do not leave your unit unless it’s an emergency. Do not use common areas.

• Postpone non-essential maintenance requests.

What if I have to move/look for an apartment during the pandemic?

• Practice basic prevention. Take the usual precautionary measures, including not shaking hands, washing your hands after your visit is concluded, not touching your face and not touching surfaces, especially in common areas. Use hand sanitizer. Consider virtual tours.

• Vet your moving/van rental company. Before scheduling your move, inquire what sanitation procedures your moving company has in place. Ask for movers to wear gloves to avoid contaminating your belongings.