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Date: 5/6/20
Re-Opening Office and Amenity Spaces
Disclaimer: The information provided in this document does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal
advice; instead, all information in this report is for general informational purposes only. Information in this
document may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information. Viewers of this material
should contact their attorney to obtain advice with respect to any particular legal matter. No viewer of this
material should act or refrain from acting on the basis of information in this document without first seeking
legal advice from counsel in the relevant jurisdiction. Only your individual attorney can provide
assurances that the information contained herein – and your interpretation of it – is applicable or
appropriate to your particular situation. Use of, and access to, this document does not create an attorneyclient
relationship between the reader and the National Apartment Association (NAA) or any contributing
law firms. All liability with respect to actions taken or not taken based on the contents of this presentation
are hereby expressly disclaimed.
Purpose: To assist National Apartment Association (NAA) members with safely and effectively reopening
office and community amenity spaces.
Applies to: Regional managers, property managers and all other NAA members involved in onsite
operations.
Overview: Large gatherings are a new concern for multifamily housing operators. Pools, fitness centers,
clubhouses, dog parks, theaters, playgrounds and other amenities frequently attract large groups, a
scenario at odds with current guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
concerning stemming the spread of the COVID-19. While the excitement of re-opening amenity spaces is
palatable among many residents, it’s important to proceed with extreme care and caution.
The safety of employees and residents should be at the forefront of decision-making. Recently released
guidance from the White House’s Guidelines for Opening Up America Again lays out a three-phase
program for reopening businesses. However, multifamily housing is unique and other advice to take into
consideration should include recommendations from health officials, local jurisdictions and relevant
authorities and organizations as they release and refine their own reactivation plans. In addition to these
sources, this document is meant to serve as a basis for guidance around re-opening office and amenity
spaces within your own company.
Guidance:
1. Leasing Office – For leasing offices, staff should follow all municipal, Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention (CDC) and local health department protocol concerning opening to the public.
Consider creating areas for greeting guests and waiting areas inside the clubhouse/leasing office.
Inside the office, social distancing markers should be placed six feet apart. Staff members should be
required to wear masks per CDC recommendations when interacting with others. Space out
workstations for office staff and rearrange or remove seating to accommodate safe distancing for
residents and prospects. Limiting the number of onsite staff that works at one time or limiting office
hours may remain in place until the need arises for increased staff or restrictions are reduced.
Consider staggering shifts (alternating days for paired teams) for employees until it’s advisable to
return all employees.
Prospective residents will be allowed in, but the number will be limited depending on available
personnel and the size of the leasing office. Prospects/residents may not be required but should be
encouraged to wear mask per CDC recommendations. Some jurisdictions have required masks in
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