Amid uncertainty driven by this health crisis, everyone in the country is being urged to stay put, stay inside and practice social distancing. But for many renters in Philadelphia, this presents unprecedented challenges. What happens if I was planning to move and my lease is coming to and end? What happens to my next rent? It it safe or feasible to move to a new apartment at all?
Read on to find answers to some of the most pressing issues you might have right now.
Yes, you can still move into a new apartment. But per Jim Kenney’s order, moving companies are considered non-essential businesses and thus have been ordered too close. You can still move apartments by yourself. Be be sure to take precautions to reduce unnecessary exposure to the virus. Some important steps you should be taking include:
If you gave your notice but would now like to stay, speak with you landlord or management company as soon as possible. Given the severity of the situation, many landlords and management groups are flexible with how they handle leases.
Month-to-month leases could be one solution if both you and the landlord can reach an agreement on what to do to ride out the pandemic. While you try to negotiate new terms of lease, be sure that you’re taking precaution. Sign any new leases or agreements over email, rather than in person.
Important note: If you plan to extend your lease or go on a month-to-month lease, your landlord still has the right to increase your rent according to current orders.
As per the Emergency Order issued by the Mayor of Philadelphia on March 22nd, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, utilities are considered essential services and can therefore remain open. Many electricians and plumbers are still providing services across the city. So if you run into an urgent emergency, you landlord will be able to contact a plumber or electrician for help.
Yes, you can still search for new apartments during COVID-19. Put as always, take precautions. In person showing are no longer an option. Take a tour of the apartment or house virtually. Work with agents to see the apartment on YouTube or other video platforms. You can also arrange to do a virtual walkthrough over video chat.
Real estate agents continue to work effectively from the safety of their homes and will work with you to make sure you have all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Here at Carlyle Property Management, we are taking every action to slow the spread of COVID-19 within our properties while continuing the day-to-day operation of them. We would like to assure our residents that we are monitoring each building and making every effort to keep you safe.