Right now, during COVID-19, just like most businesses, apartments in Jacksonville are having to adapt to a virtual environment. What this means for you as a renter is that many of the in-person experiences like touring apartments, signing leases etc., is now being done virtually.
What's Changed
Virtual Tours
Most Jacksonville apartments are now offering virtual meetings to show you your specific apartment space. Using technology like FaceTime, Skype, Zoom, or other video chat software, you can connect with a leasing agent and they can take you around the community and to view your specific floor plan preference, whether that be a 1 bedroom apartment or 3 bedroom apartment.
Other agents have pre-made tours that are already uploaded to the apartment sites. Another option is to ask for a self-guided tour. A self-guided tour means you would go to the leasing office and they would instruct you on how you can view the apartment by yourself adhering to social distancing recommendations.
Electronic Leasing Agreements
To further adhere to social distancing guidelines, many apartments in Jacksonville are offering the ability to receive and sign your housing agreements through electronic signatures. With technologies like DocuSign and other electronic signature platforms, you can read and sign your leasing agreement virtually.
Masks
For the apartments in Jacksonville that are still offering in-person tours, they are asking you to wear masks for the safety of yourself and the leasing professional. Many of the local apartments in Jacksonville are asking you to adhere to the current CDC guidelines for wearing a mask. The CDC has some easy DIY instructions on how you can make your own masks, with or without sewing skills.
Finding a Roommate
If you're looking for an apartment and roommate, things may be looking a little bit different. When you're on your quest for your new roommate you may want to ask some more questions regarding their practices with social distancing and if they've been around anyone that has had the coronavirus. You can even suggest that you both get tested. There are free drive-through and walk-up testing sites located throughout Jacksonville.
Special Promotions
Many Jacksonville apartments are offering larger promotions including free rent for two months or shorter lease terms. Some are even offering special promotions on 2-bedroom or more apartments. This could make some of those luxury apartments more affordable during the next few months.
What hasn't changed?
Online Photos and Floorplans
This is something that hasn't changed is having online photos and floorplans to view your future apartment space. This is definitely a good preliminary step that you'd likely be doing anyway before the pandemic.
Telephone and Email
Leasing agents will still be available by phone and email to answer all of your questions. If you've got questions about a specific apartment, then it's best to contact them directly to determine what their current practices are.
Finding the Perfect Apartment
During these uncertain times, it can make finding an apartment feel overwhelming. The good news is you don't have to sacrifice to find your perfect space. The method by which you find your space is a little different, but with all of our current technology at our fingertips, it makes finding your space a little less stressful.