The coronavirus outbreak has impacted renters and homeowners alike from all corners of the U.S. But for those living in affordable housing and low-income rental properties, financial difficulties caused by the pandemic can exacerbate pre-existing problems.

Megan Sandel, co-director of the GROW Clinic at Boston Medical Center, said during a recent ULI webinar on protecting low-income and affordable residents during the pandemic that researchers are learning more and more about how social factors can impact health outcomes. The quality of an individual’s housing can have a big impact on their overall health: multiple moves, overcrowding, unsafe conditions and difficulty paying rent can all be contributing factors.

“There’s a 50 percent higher risk of kids being in poor health that are in homes behind on rent,” said Sandel.

How can owners help? Below, industry experts spell out four actions owners and operators can take to ensure residents stay healthy and feel safe.