Over a Year of Empathy & Support
At the height of the pandemic last year, we saw an increase in some very difficult situations that letting agents and property managers had to deal with. This has continued to be the case in 2021 as the situations people face have continued to unravel.
We cannot remember a more difficult time that our clients have had to deal with. Pre-Pandemic, the most challenging situations were based around rent arrears and serious maintenance issues.
However, while wrestling with the change of business circumstances, there has also been a need to manage much more serious problems against a backdrop of ongoing challenges with mental health and social justice. Property managers and owner managers have been facing much more contentious issues. There has of course been a surge in substantial rent arrears because of the coronavirus, but there have been some incredibly difficult struggles tenants have been dealing with: -
Domestic Violence is at an all-time high. Letting agents have been liaising with the police who intervene, and injunctions are applied for to prevent the abuser from either harassing the victim or entering the family home.
What have the last 5 weeks taught Us?
When there’s not a lot to do, apart from rest (talking about myself), the mind goes into overdrive and Covid-19 has given us a huge amount to think about. When the good times are in abundance, no one really gives it a second thought but it’s crisis, tragedy, anguish, pain that truly bring us together. We have nothing to compare this situation, all we can do is refer back to historical events. I read somewhere at the beginning of the pandemic that the virus does not discriminate. However, bear in mind that not everyone is in a position of privilege, and some have been more affected than others.
Dealing with Bereavement
Our clients - letting agents, property managers, local authorities and housing associations deal with a whole range of situations when managing properties and liaising with tenants and landlords. The different job roles require different skill sets - diplomacy, listening, organisational, delegation, managerial, and so it goes on. At times there are very complex situations that one has to deal with, circumstances that require a empathetic and sympathetic. When a landlord or tenant passes away, it is often very difficult to navigate the through the emotion and focus on the “practical “ aspects in hand.