As discussions are underway to slowly but safely reopen the economy, we remain cautiously optimistic that these eerie times will get better in the near to intermediate future, but we have to deal with the reality that many owners and operators will suffer a shortfall in rental income when May rent becomes due.
There is a culture of empathy and leeway for renters who have experienced hardship and, to a lesser extent, owners who are struggling to make mortgage payments.
Landlords have been told there is assistance available, but obtaining funds can be as hard as breaking into a bank.
Our latest blog speaks to the relief available
, although it may need to be sought with the same patience and persistence that is already the order of the day.
Since courts have been ground to a near halt and landlords cannot accept a penny of rent after a 3-day notice expires, we urge owners to be diplomatic and exhaust all measures to work out a payment plan with cash-strapped tenants. Toward that end, we have
assembled a list of organizations
that may be able to provide rental subsidies.
Challenging times bring out the best in people and the worst in people, so, unfortunately, there are some militant tenants’ advocates who have taken advantage of the crisis to call for rent strikes. If anyone withholds rent in the spirit of protest,
we have a letter prepared here
to send in response.
Please be safe, and feel free to call upon us if we can help you manage relationships and any legal issues in these most bizarre of times.