---
title: Covid-19 Pandemic and Renter Habits
description: During the pandemic, Livable continued to provide custom utility management and cost recovery solutions for property managers.
image: https://blog.livable.com/hubfs/lifting.jpg
---

![](https://www.livable.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/LIVABLE_Logo_HI_RES_300px_Corporate.png)

SOLUTIONS

[PROPERTY MANAGER DASHBOARD](https://www.livable.com/property-manager-dashboard/) [TENANT CONNECT](https://www.livable.com/tenant-connect/) [UTILITY BILLING & COST RECOVERY](https://www.livable.com/utility-billing-cost-recovery/) 

[LIVABLE NOW BLOG](https://blog.livable.com/) [CONTACT US](https://www.livable.com/contact-us/)

SOLUTIONS

[PROPERTY MANAGER DASHBOARD](https://www.livable.com/property-manager-dashboard/) [TENANT CONNECT](https://www.livable.com/tenant-connect/) [UTILITY BILLING & COST RECOVERY](https://www.livable.com/utility-billing-cost-recovery/) 

[LIVABLE NOW BLOG](https://blog.livable.com/) [CONTACT US](https://www.livable.com/contact-us/)

MANAGER LOGIN

RESIDENT LOGIN

### Posts by tags:

- [2021 taxes (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/2021-taxes)
- [amenities (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/amenities)
- [apartment industry (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/apartment-industry)
- [apartment industry (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/apartment-industry)
- [clean water (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/clean-water)
- [climate change (4)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/climate-change)
- [come and save with us (5)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/come-and-save-with-us)
- [conservation (25)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/conservation)
- [construction (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/construction)
- [cost recovery (11)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/cost-recovery)
- [Economic Recovery (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/economic-recovery)
- [economy (7)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/economy)
- [eviction moratorium (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/eviction-moratorium)
- [examples of conservation (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/examples-of-conservation)
- [financial impact (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/financial-impact)
- [homeowner (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/homeowner)
- [House’s HEROES Act (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/houses-heroes-act)
- [housing (8)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/housing)
- [Housing developers (5)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/housing-developers)
- [how to save money on utilities (19)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/how-to-save-money-on-utilities)
- [increase NOI (4)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/increase-noi)
- [investment (4)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/investment)
- [legislation (3)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/legislation)
- [livable (7)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/livable)
- [Livable staff (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/livable-staff)
- [Millennials (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/millennials)
- [multifamily properties (5)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/multifamily-properties)
- [natural resources (3)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/natural-resources)
- [new state laws (3)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/new-state-laws)
- [post-pandemic adjustments (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/post-pandemic-adjustments)
- [Property managers (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/property-managers)
- [property owners (11)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/property-owners)
- [ratio utility billing (10)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/ratio-utility-billing)
- [real estate (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/real-estate)
- [Rent control (4)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/rent-control)
- [rent policies (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/rent-policies)
- [rental (7)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/rental)
- [rental housing industry (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/rental-housing-industry)
- [renters (5)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/renters)
- [Republican lawmaker (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/republican-lawmaker)
- [rising costs (3)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/rising-costs)
- [roofing (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/roofing)
- [RUBS (25)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/rubs)
- [Single-family homes (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/single-family-homes)
- [smart utility (4)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/smart-utility)
- [smarter approach (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/smarter-approach)
- [solar (3)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/solar)
- [staying home (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/staying-home)
- [Staying Strong and Giving Back (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/staying-strong-and-giving-back)
- [tax credits (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/tax-credits)
- [technology (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/technology)
- [tenant protections (3)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/tenant-protections)
- [tenants (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/tenants)
- [unionofconcernedscientists (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/unionofconcernedscientists)
- [utility bill (10)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/utility-bill)
- [utility billing (10)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/utility-billing)
- [Utility savings (17)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/utility-savings)
- [we heal as one (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/we-heal-as-one)

See all

# Covid-19 Pandemic and Renter Habits

Posted by [Livable Content Team](https://blog.livable.com/author/written-with-love-by-the-livable-content-team) on May 1, 2020 4:03:00 PM

![](https://blog.livable.com/hubfs/liv_favicon-1.png)

During the Corona Virus pandemic, there have been several lockdowns resulting in weeks of remaining sheltered in place. From construction to real estate and[property management](https://blog.livable.com/leasing-what-an-occupant-needs-to-know-about-rent-control), many of the vendors that property owners rely on have been put at a standstill time and time again. In turn, renters have been anxious to make a move when there is a window of opportunity offered.  Are your units ready to be shown?

 

## **Renters Back on the Move**

[Rent Café](https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/real-estate-news/apartment-searches-rebound-april/) has stayed up to date during the pandemic and shares data surrounding the rental world. The listing site shows apartment searches plummet 24 percent during the first lockdown in March 2020. In the following weeks, searches were down an additional 9 percent. As years have begun to pass and we live in the Covid ruled world “Searches for apartments have returned to pre-pandemic volumes, both on Google Trends, and Rent Cafe, a breeze of optimism for both consumers and the rental market eager to move forward” according to one [report](https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/real-estate-news/apartment-searches-rebound-april/). 

 

A [survey of renters](https://www.rentcafe.com/blog/rental-market/real-estate-news/survey-moving-plans-back-in-full-swing-as-renter-preferences-shift-to-virtual-tours/) showed most intended to move forward with any planned moves despite continued COVID-19 restrictions. 9,000 respondents were surveyed in April 2020 and a mere 11 percent planned to stay put, due to restrictions. 

 

In the early days of the pandemic, a growing percentage of renters changed their search to find something **less expensive** than they had originally planned, indicating a continued economic uncertainty. Not surprisingly, virtual tours were increasingly popular, in 2020 with 28 percent of respondents saying they would make their decisions based on online pictures and tours alone to abide by government restrictions.

 

During the pandemic, Livable continued to provide custom utility management and cost recovery solutions for property managers. [Book a call today](https://comesave.livable.com/meetings/livable/livable-discovery-call)and learn how you can reduce your environmental footprint while generating revenue for your property.

 

[![Schedule a call!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/4146755/5d912114-df0a-4f0e-924a-19310ee520fb.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/4146755/5d912114-df0a-4f0e-924a-19310ee520fb)

 

---

 

**![Livable_SuperSaver_TipOfTheMonth_v2 (1)](https://blog.livable.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Livable_SuperSaver_TipOfTheMonth_v2%20(1).png?width=600&name=Livable_SuperSaver_TipOfTheMonth_v2%20(1).png)**

Tenant turnovers are a fact of life, now more than ever. But Rentprep offers [some easy ways to reduce turnover](https://il.t.hubspotemail.net/e2t/tc/VWr6nm8wjzRmW6gQ_286JnxpWW67tPB74dqDpZN5QLhT53p_97V1-WJV7CgVCjW1b_7gb3bnxZqW11pK8h88HGWWW6vvkL68-kGktW3GmK0750qZDLW8xSsFB7TnCR0N4hG-4kcgfL3W72gMMf873Js5W7wlzH_2__cgDW48d5Lb8nL_XFW1w0Rzv1GdJQJW3Q06SB2_b46nW2jXvQy9bxkLdW5PPcpW8-lx8cN6vCrKVHLtkHN6mcwVDRHSmbW1CjDBb6ydwQJN8Hw4vjYDhYKMnZyHpLBXwLW1mZl_p2JWTGyW4zkwnx4BpTLqW5C_B2p5R0ntdV9scB_6v3fckW5szQvy1qbmQTW5xWH2k2MJq9k3krB1), from having a strong screening process to creating positive relationships with residents. Another helpful suggestion is to determine your average tenant turnover rate and the typical cost per turnover. Budget this amount into your bottom line so turnover expenses don’t take you by surprise.

[rental](https://blog.livable.com/tag/rental) [staying home](https://blog.livable.com/tag/staying-home) [property owners](https://blog.livable.com/tag/property-owners) [construction](https://blog.livable.com/tag/construction) [real estate](https://blog.livable.com/tag/real-estate)

#### Subscribe to join our monthly newsletter

Stay updated on real estate news, laws,  and monthly saving tips and tricks!

![Monthly-tip](https://blog.livable.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2020_assets/illustrations/Monthly-tip.png?width=180&height=165&name=Monthly-tip.png "Monthly-tip")

#### Smart saver tip of the month

Insulating water pipes is a quick and inexpensive way to lower water-heating costs. The easy upgrade reduces heat loss and allows you to lower your buildings’ water temperature setting by two to four degrees. Plus, since water doesn’t take as long to heat up, less of this precious resource is wasted waiting for faucets and showers to get to the appropriate temperature.

On smaller buildings, this is a definite DIY job that should take less than a day to complete. Check out the [U.S. Department of Energy’s website](https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/services/do-it-yourself-energy-savings-projects/savings-project-insulate-hot-water-pipes?utm_campaign=Newsletters&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8yh5oCnhWhoNYxyWitSNwCQZKjwDza8YZ-_XqR_0bGeAJoJKUSlyuOiGT5Nuvpv6Yhcarj) for a comprehensive shopping list and step-by-step instructions.

### More Lively Livable

### Posts by Tag

- [RUBS (25)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/rubs)
- [conservation (25)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/conservation)
- [how to save money on utilities (19)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/how-to-save-money-on-utilities)
- [Utility savings (17)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/utility-savings)
- [cost recovery (11)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/cost-recovery)
- [property owners (11)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/property-owners)
- [ratio utility billing (10)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/ratio-utility-billing)
- [utility bill (10)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/utility-bill)
- [utility billing (10)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/utility-billing)
- [housing (8)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/housing)
- [economy (7)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/economy)
- [livable (7)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/livable)
- [rental (7)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/rental)
- [Housing developers (5)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/housing-developers)
- [come and save with us (5)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/come-and-save-with-us)
- [multifamily properties (5)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/multifamily-properties)
- [renters (5)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/renters)
- [Rent control (4)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/rent-control)
- [climate change (4)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/climate-change)
- [increase NOI (4)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/increase-noi)
- [investment (4)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/investment)
- [smart utility (4)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/smart-utility)
- [legislation (3)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/legislation)
- [natural resources (3)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/natural-resources)
- [new state laws (3)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/new-state-laws)
- [rising costs (3)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/rising-costs)
- [solar (3)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/solar)
- [tenant protections (3)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/tenant-protections)
- [Millennials (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/millennials)
- [Property managers (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/property-managers)
- [amenities (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/amenities)
- [clean water (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/clean-water)
- [examples of conservation (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/examples-of-conservation)
- [financial impact (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/financial-impact)
- [homeowner (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/homeowner)
- [real estate (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/real-estate)
- [rent policies (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/rent-policies)
- [staying home (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/staying-home)
- [tax credits (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/tax-credits)
- [technology (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/technology)
- [tenants (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/tenants)
- [unionofconcernedscientists (2)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/unionofconcernedscientists)
- [2021 taxes (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/2021-taxes)
- [Economic Recovery (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/economic-recovery)
- [House’s HEROES Act (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/houses-heroes-act)
- [Livable staff (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/livable-staff)
- [Republican lawmaker (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/republican-lawmaker)
- [Single-family homes (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/single-family-homes)
- [Staying Strong and Giving Back (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/staying-strong-and-giving-back)
- [apartment industry (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/apartment-industry)
- [apartment industry (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/apartment-industry)
- [construction (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/construction)
- [eviction moratorium (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/eviction-moratorium)
- [post-pandemic adjustments (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/post-pandemic-adjustments)
- [rental housing industry (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/rental-housing-industry)
- [roofing (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/roofing)
- [smarter approach (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/smarter-approach)
- [we heal as one (1)](https://blog.livable.com/tag/we-heal-as-one)

See all

[Home](https://www.livable.com/) | [Solutions](https://www.livable.com/#)| [Property Manager Dashboard](https://www.livable.com/property-manager-dashboard/)

[Utility Billing and Cost Recovery](https://www.livable.com/utility-billing-cost-recovery/) | [Contact Us](https://www.livable.com/contact-us/)

[Privacy Policy](https://www.livable.com/privacy/) / [Terms and Conditions](https://www.livable.com/privacy-policy/) 

[Manager Login](https://pm.livable.com/)

[Resident Login](https://resident.livable.com/)

Copyright © [Livable](https://www.livable.com/), Inc. All Rights Reserved.

```json
{
  "@context" : "https://schema.org",
  "@type" : "BlogPosting",
  "author" : {
    "@type" : "Person",
    "name" : "Livable Content Team",
    "url" : "https://blog.livable.com/author/written-with-love-by-the-livable-content-team"
  },
  "dateModified" : "2022-03-24T21:24:42.886Z",
  "datePublished" : "2020-05-01T23:03:00.000Z",
  "headline" : "Covid-19 Pandemic and Renter Habits",
  "image" : [ "https://blog.livable.com/hubfs/lifting.jpg" ],
  "mainEntityOfPage" : {
    "@id" : "https://blog.livable.com/could-lifting-restrictions-mean-a-bounce-back-in-rental-demand",
    "@type" : "WebPage"
  },
  "publisher" : {
    "@type" : "Organization",
    "logo" : {
      "@type" : "ImageObject",
      "url" : "https://blog.livable.com/hubfs/Livable_100h-1.png"
    },
    "name" : "Livable"
  }
}
```