CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

COVID-19 Prevention Protocols

As of August 28, 2020, the state has a Blueprint for a Safer Economy for reducing COVID-19 with revised criteria for loosening and tightening restrictions on activities.

The Employer Playbook for a Safe Reopening includes detailed information on when and how an employer must report a COVID-19 positive employee; what is defined as an outbreak; and guidance for employers who may be considering whether to suspend operations due to COVID-19 spread in the workplace.

Wearing a mask or face covering is required statewide in public or common spaces. Employers must provide face coverings to workers or must reimburse workers for the reasonable cost of obtaining them.

The state has issued industry-specific guidance for businesses, including guidelines to create a safer environment for workers and customers/clients in the real estate industry. California’s COVID-19 Industry Guidance: Real Estate Transactions California’s COVID-19 General Checklist for Real Estate Transactions

As part of this state guidance, real estate practitioners are to adopt a written "COVID-19 Prevention Plan"; refrain from holding "traditional" open houses; have all visitors sign disclosure forms in advance of visiting the property; and prepare Posted Rules for Entry. Reference C.A.R.’s Quick Guide: Complying with the Industry Guidance Showing Rules.

PWR has established a set of checklist templates for agent use based on this guidance. Please note that any and all information on the forms does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. For specific legal questions, please contact the C.A.R. Legal Hotline at 213-739-8282.

COVID-19 RESOURCES

On March 19, 2020, based on Executive Order N-33-20 and by Order of the State Public Health Officer, all Californians were ordered to stay home or at their place of residence, except for essential work, local shopping and other permitted errands.

On March 28, 2020, the federal government issued guidance that classified residential real estate services as part of the Essential Critical Infrastructure Workforce. Real estate practitioners, therefore, are permitted to conduct business outside of the home provided they maintain social distancing as much as possible and otherwise minimize contact with others. Local law may be more restrictive, and real estate clients are not exempt from such stay-at-home orders.

On July 2, 2020, the California Departments of Public Health and Industrial Relations (Cal/OSHA) released new COVID-19 Industry Guidance on Real Estate Transactions for protocols of advance digital completion of PEAD forms before entering properties, social distancing, limitations on persons going through the house at one time, cleaning and disinfecting between each showing, etc. Any type of traditional open house - spontaneous walk-up with no digital sign in or appointment or adherence to all protocols – would threaten the policy allowing licensees to show property and, worse, threaten the health of the seller and those visiting potentially causing a super-spreader event. To that end, and in conformity with current health guidelines, no open houses should be held, and all showings should be done virtually, to the extent possible.

Visit C.A.R.'s COVID-19 Microsite

Property Management Resources

Download the Follow-up Resources to the Property Management in a Rent Cap/COVID Era webinar given by John V. Giardinelli on January 21, 2021.


Help from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Visit the CDC website for more information on Coronavirus, including what you should know about the virus, prevention and symptoms, as well as situation updates in the U.S. and worldwide.

Click Here to view more updates from the CDC.

CDC Coronavirus (COVID-19) News Feed