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A trade group representing the country’s multifamily landlords said yesterday all managers and owners of apartments should consider halting evictions of any tenant out of work or with reduced income thanks to the coronavirus pandemic.
The National Multifamily Housing Council says the halt should last for 90 days, but should not apply to evictions for other lease violations such as property damage, criminal activity or endangering the safety of other residents in a particular property.
“As the nation contends with the COVID-19 outbreak and millions are sheltering in place, having safe and secure housing is more important than ever,” the group’s statement reads.
Landlords are also urged to:
- Avoid rent increases for 90 days to help residents weather the crisis.
- Create payment plans for residents who are unable to pay their rent because of the outbreak and waive late fees for those residents.
- Identify governmental and community resources to help residents secure food, financial assistance and healthcare and share that information with residents.
- Communicate to residents that it is a priority for the industry to partner with them to help them retain their housing.
- Develop a response plan for potential COVID-19 exposure.
The council called on Congress to extend mortgage forbearance, tax payment deadlines, insurance premiums and utility payments to rental property owners to help them follow these guidelines. This would help landlords who face immediate financial obligations help their tenants, the group said.
“At a time when many American workers are being encouraged to work from home, multifamily owners and operators are on the front lines, keeping residents cared for and safe in their apartment homes,” the statement reads. “These are trying, even desperate times and all of us face grim uncertainty in the days ahead. However, by working together – apartment residents, owners and operators, and lawmakers at all levels of government – we can develop solutions to the evolving challenges and keep Americans housed.”
The move comes the same day the Federal Housing Finance Agency said landlords with mortgages backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac could have their loans put into forbearance if they agreed to suspend evictions for any tenant unable to pay rent due to the coronavirus crisis.
Last week the FHFA suspended foreclosures and evictions for 60 days for homeowners with Fannie- or Freddie-backed mortgages, and city of Boston officials, the Greater Boston Real Estate Board and a statewide trade group for nonprofit developers announced a voluntary 90-day eviction moratorium. Statewide housing courts are closed to non-emergency cases through mid-April.
