Multifamily Owners and Operators Navigate the Reopening of States

Firms continue to adapt to prioritize their employees and residents.

As states begin reopening in phases after stay-at-home orders blanketed the nation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, apartment owners and operators are heeding guidance, prioritizing communication, and making decisions based on the market.

“To say there’s no playbook for this is an understatement on so many levels,” says Mike Gomes, chief experience officer at Cortland. “I’m so proud of how the organization has reacted.”

For Cortland, which owns over 58,000 units across the U.S., there’s no one-size-fits-all approach for reopening, and the firm is being mindful of local restrictions and guidelines. It also is empowering community site and regional operations teams to be the boots on the ground to agilely react to the various needs of the markets.

“Safety continues to be paramount. It’s always the most important thing when you want a physical experience. You want your home to be safe and secure. And that now extends to the cleanliness of our properties and social distancing,” he says.