WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Multifamily Housing Council (NMHC), a leading apartment industry association, has urged a temporary pause on evictions and rent increases for a 90-day period in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
NMHC recommends that apartment owners and operators embrace the following principles to help renters keep their homes during this crisis.
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Temporarily halt evictions for 90 days for residents who can demonstrate they have been financially affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. This pause should not apply to evictions for other lease violations, such as property damage, criminal behavior, or actions that endanger the safety of other residents.
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Avoid imposing rent increases for 90 days to give residents breathing room while they cope with the pandemic’s effects.
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Establish flexible payment plans for residents unable to pay rent because of the outbreak and waive late fees for those who are impacted.
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Identify and share information about government and community resources that can help residents access food, financial assistance, and healthcare.
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Clearly communicate to residents that the industry prioritizes partnering with them to preserve stable housing during this emergency.
NMHC also acknowledged that most rental properties are owned by individuals and small businesses that face their own financial obligations, including mortgages, utilities, payroll, insurance, and taxes. If residents cannot meet their rent obligations due to the COVID-19 outbreak, owners may struggle to meet these obligations, putting individual properties and the surrounding communities at risk.
The organization called on Congress to extend mortgage forbearance to rental property owners and to provide comparable relief for other obligations such as insurance premiums, utility bills, and tax liabilities.
March 23, 2020 Realty News Report Copyright 2020
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