SAAA April 2020 Special Edition Residence Magazine APR_2020_DIGITAL_Magazine | Page 13

On March 23, Mayor Ron Nirenberg and Bexar County
Judge Nelson Wolff issued a Stay-At-Home order for all
non-essential employees in the City of San Antonio and
Bexar County. The order becomes effective Tuesday,
March 24 at 11:59 PM and will last through April 9 and it
may be extended. Under this order non-essential busi-
nesses are required to stop operations and close.
The San Antonio Apartment Association has confirmed
that management support operations for residential buildings is defined to be essential business. Also, business-
es that provide services to maintain the safety, sanitation, and operations of residences are essential businesses.
While in operation you are still required to strictly follow social distancing guidelines..
As we continue to monitor this changing situation, we advise members to take the following precautions:
• Limit onsite employees and maintain limited staff to ensure continuity of basic operations (service request
management, rent collection and payroll, etc.).
• Where possible, limit in-person transactions between staff and residents. Consider implementing digital
payment and maintenance requests or offer secure drop boxes. Note: Texas State law prohibits landlords
from mandating that residents pay rent online.
• Suspend all non-essential maintenance and repairs. Service requests should be categorized between essential
(HVAC, hot water, plumbing, etc.) and non-urgent (upgrades, cosmetic repairs, etc.).
• Share staffing updates with residents and ensure emergency contact information is available. When possible,
use multiple communication platforms such as email, community bulletin boards and notices to individualunits.
• Contact vendors to determine availability for emergency maintenance needs. Ensure alternative
arrangements are available.
• Continue move-out walk-through inspections when requested by residents, per legal requirements. However,
follow appropriate social distancing protocols. Ensure the residents desire inspections in the current
environment and, if the request is withdrawn, get it in writing.
• Consider providing virtual and low-contact showings to prospective residents. These could include virtual
tours or allowing a prospect to enter and tour a unit on their own. Be sure to disinfect high-touch surfaces
between showings (including door knobs, light switches, etc.).
• Provide documentation for your employees to carry with them when traveling to and from work.
You may download a sample form here.
It is very important that you and your staff openly and frequently communicate with your residents about the mea-
sures you are taking to be in compliance with the City’s Stay-At-Home order, especially if any measures influence
regular business practices or services.
You can follow these links to read Bexar County’s and San Antonio’s Stay-At-Home orders:
The City’s order is linked here.
The County’s order is linked here.
Here is a link to City’s Frequently Asked Questions about the Mayor’s Stay-At-Home Declaration on the City’s web-
site: Mayor’s Fifth Emergency Declaration – Frequently Asked Questions
The Centers for Disease Control guidance is here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
The Texas Department of State Health Services guidance may be found here: https://dshs.texas.gov/coronavirus/
The City of San Antonio’s guidance may be found here: https://www.sanantonio.gov/Health/News/Alerts/CoronaViru s
For industry updates, information, and resources for members during this unprecedented situation, please visit the
San Antonio Apartment Association website, www.saaaonline.org
Stay safe and healthy!
www.saaaonline.org | April 2020 SPECIAL EDITION
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