What Renters Need to Know About Coronavirus
As many of you are already aware, the precautions currently being taken to present the spread of coronavirus will irrevocably change our lives for the foreseeable future. Beginning on March 23rd, the majority of classes sponsored by the University of Montana will be delivered online. Additionally, Montana Governor Steve Bullock has shut down public schools in Montana until March 27th. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention had advised that people refrain from gathering in groups of 50 or more people for the next 8 weeks. As of March 16th, 204 people have been tested for the virus statewide and seven confirmed cases have been reported. The number of cases is expected to grow as they have elsewhere in the country.
For the next two months, student renters will face a dizzying amount of challenges as they finish the spring semester and adjust to the changes wrought by social distancing. Students leaving Missoula for Spring Break or stepping outside into the community to shop for essential items should be well aware of the risks presented by traveling and shopping at this time. Visit the CDC website to learn about the nature of the infection and other precautions to take in order to prevent contracting or spreading it. In addition to washing your hands and practicing good hygiene, make sure to clean and sanitize surfaces that you routinely come into contact with. Coronavirus can live on surfaces for 2–3 days. Make an extra effort to ensure that your residences and personal items are being properly tended to prevent the spread of infection. Landlords can take additional steps to control the effects of the outbreak.
The slow in social contact, travel, and commerce will undoubtedly put a strain on financial resources. Students struggling to afford rent can contact the Financial Aid Office about qualifying for emergency financial aid. Although students customarily begin looking for new housing for next semester around this time, exercise discretion about visiting potential properties until social distancing precautions have been lightened. Talk with your landlord about the struggles you are facing and make arrangements to pay your rent in a timely manner. Some form of renter relief or financial assistance may eventually become available as policymakers look for ways to provide solvency for workers and employees disrupted by the requirements of social distancing. Don’t allow anyone into your residence unless it is absolutely necessary. Keep a safe distance from visitors who enter your premises. You are strongly cautioned to remain at your current residence as much as possible for the next two months. Find ways to make it as hospitable as possible. You will be spending lots of time there.
