Search

Need-to-Know Eviction Guidance Among COVID-19

Need-to-Know Eviction Guidance Among COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic has shaken the nation in the past few weeks, state and local governments have responded to the threat of mass evictions in varying ways. Unfortunately, outside of HUD housing, there is currently no nationwide rental housing guidance on how to handle the financial fallout from renters unable to pay rent due to a loss of income during shelter-in-place orders or the dip in the economy. While some areas have closed their local courts and suspended eviction proceedings, others have banned all eviction filings during this time. As you try to navigate these troubling times with your rental property(s), take a look at our eviction moratorium guidance.

At present, eviction moratoriums in place across the U.S. fall into one of the four categories:

    1. Eviction proceedings are suspended or the municipal’s sheriff’s office are not executing evictions or foreclosures
    2. The order bans all evictions
    3. The order only bans evictions related to nonpayment of rent
    4. The order only bans evictions related to nonpayment of rent due to COVID-19

Generally, orders barring evictions that caused “a loss of income caused by COVID-19” (these are seen in California, Oregon, and a few other states) can meet any of the following to qualify:

    1. The renter or a household member was sick with COVID-19
    2. The renter was laid off, had reduced hours, or experienced another income reduction due to COVID-19
    3. The renter complied with a recommendation from a government agency to stay at home, self-quarantine, or practice social distancing
    4. The renter had to miss work to care for a household member sick with COVID-19 or a home-bound school-aged child

Be aware that areas with orders in effect that follow categories 2 through 4 most likely ban late fees as well.

While most moratoriums in place strictly follow one of the four categories above, some municipalities have additional restrictions in place. For example, in Multnomah County, Oregon (Portland) once the state of emergency is over, renters behind on payments due to a loss of income related to COVID-19 will have a six-month grace period to pay back past due rent. Although most eviction orders affect rental housing, Seattle, Washington and other cities have also halted nonpayment of rent evictions for commercial properties with small businesses. As you review your eviction options within your local area, keep these exceptions in mind.

The end date of each eviction moratoriums varies. Some orders have a specific end date (like 30 or 60 days) while others follow along that municipality’s state of emergency – nether the less, these temporary end dates can and likely will be extended.

Be sure to subscribe for COVID-19 housing resources. We will continue to update this list as the weeks go by.

Subscribe for more news and tips!

[mailpoet_form id=”2″]

Share with your friends!

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linkdin
Share via Email

More Articles from ApplyConnect

Tenant Screening

ApplyConnect FAQ: I’m a Renter. Can My Lease Be Broken Because of _____?

Navigating the world of lease agreements as a tenant can sometimes seem a bit daunting, especially when both parties aren’t clear about their rights and responsibilities. Ever been in a less-than-ideal rental housing situation in which you had to ask yourself, “Can a lease be voluntarily broken, and if so, can it be because of _______?”

Read More »
Tenant Screening

Landlords: The FTC and CFPB Request Public Comment from You!

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have united to inspect how background screening can impact American renters, with a particular emphasis on examining the use of criminal and housing court records and tenant screening practices. As part of a whole-of-government effort detailed in the White House’s January 2023 Blueprint, the FTC and CFPB are seeking public comment until March 30, 2023. We urge you to voice your unique industry perspective.

Read More »

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Subscribe for more news and tips!

[mailpoet_form id=”2″]

Share with your friends!

Share on Facebook
Share on Twitter
Share on Linkdin
Share via Email

More Articles from ApplyConnect

Blog Topics

Click the dropdown

Tenant Screening

ApplyConnect FAQ: I’m a Renter. Can My Lease Be Broken Because of _____?

Navigating the world of lease agreements as a tenant can sometimes seem a bit daunting, especially when both parties aren’t clear about their rights and responsibilities. Ever been in a less-than-ideal rental housing situation in which you had to ask yourself, “Can a lease be voluntarily broken, and if so, can it be because of _______?”

Read More »
Tenant Screening

Landlords: The FTC and CFPB Request Public Comment from You!

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) have united to inspect how background screening can impact American renters, with a particular emphasis on examining the use of criminal and housing court records and tenant screening practices. As part of a whole-of-government effort detailed in the White House’s January 2023 Blueprint, the FTC and CFPB are seeking public comment until March 30, 2023. We urge you to voice your unique industry perspective.

Read More »

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.