Tips to support tenants with chronic illnesses
Chronic illnesses are simply troublesome, especially in most areas of life, due to their limiting symptoms. While it’s typically impossible to cure them, they can be controlled. Sometimes, the affected persons need enough time to recuperate from extreme episodes. Other times, the diseases result in physical, emotional, and even mental changes that affect the patient’s overall quality of life.
As a property manager or landlord, you may wonder what this has to do with you, but there’s a lot you can do to support tenants struggling with chronic illnesses. Here are some tips.
1. Implement comprehensive wellness programs
One of the most effective ways to support tenants struggling with chronic illnesses is to offer a solution that boosts their physical, emotional, social, and mental wellness. The solution we are talking about here is an on-site wellness centre, complete with consultation services and health coaching, where possible. This not only supports the tenants with chronic illnesses but also creates a community that offers additional support to the ailing members.
You should consider working with companies that offer services like wellness centre design and fitness management for private properties for the best results. Though you need a sizeable investment upfront, the returns are worth it.
2. Be accommodative to the affected tenants
A chronically ill tenant will not have a normal life like other tenants, so you may have to make some adjustments to your policies to help them live comfortably. At times, you will even have to make physical modifications like having wider doorways, creating ramps, installing grab bars, and a lot more. If you can, consider doing it since this not only makes life easier for such tenants, but it also enhances the accessibility of your property.
At times, you may have to make compromises when hosting a chronically ill tenant. Such compromises include allowing the affected tenant to, for instance, have a service animal in a pet-free property. Keep in mind, however, that some requests may not be practical on your property, but there’s always a chance to work toward a reasonable alternative.
3. Foster clear and compassionate communication
Another less common way to support tenants with chronic illnesses is to encourage open dialogue to understand what your clients are going through and what they may need from you. This also means being available during emergencies and offering as much support as possible. At times, it may mean respecting privacy, so avoid asking unnecessary questions related to the tenant’s medical history or even their personal details.
As a property manager, you will want to focus more on lease adherence and the requested accommodations.
4. Handle rent and lease flexibility thoughtfully
You should also consider allowing as much flexibility as possible in the rent and lease payment dates and methods. Having alternative payment methods such as auto-pay, mail, online, and others makes it easier for tenants with unpredictable health or income fluctuations. Where entry is required, consider giving proper notice and always accommodating situations where the tenant may be immunocompromised or contagious.
Since it’s not uncommon for tenants with chronic conditions to face extended rent arrears at times, you can apply compassionate lease consideration solutions. Some of the best solutions include sending formal notices and extending the tenancy temporarily as long as the tenant offers progress updates on treatment.
Get the help you need to improve tenant wellness
It’s no secret that tenant wellness is important, not just for chronically ill tenants but all other tenants. In this regard, it’s highly recommended to implement solutions that support your tenants to improve their overall well-being as much as possible.
One of the best solutions is an on-site wellness centre. For this, you will also need top-tier fitness management services, like the ones Plus One offers. So, if you’re ready to give your tenants the best services, now is the time to visit plusoneworkplacewellbeing.com/multiple-tenants/ to learn more!