Consumer Credit Counseling Service News Articles

If you live in a property covered by the CARES Act, the soonest landlords can ask you to leave is July 25, and the soonest they can file an eviction to force you to leave is August 24. THIS PART IS ESSENTIAL: The protections under the CARES Act only apply to properties that receive federal funds or are financed under a federal program like Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. If you live in a multifamily property with five or more units, there’s a tool by the National Low Income Housing Coalition that’s designed to tell you if the property where you live is covered under the CARES Act. Just enter you zip code and scroll through the list of properties looking for yours.

There are other online tools that can help connect you to other resources. 211.org connects those in need of help with essential community services. Recently it has started a portal for pandemic assistance. JustShelter.org can help connect you with local organizations that can help you remain in your home or, in worst case scenarios, find emergency housing.

Ask you landlord for a reduction or extension. It’s usually best to work out an arrangement with your landlord or leasing agent, if at all possible. IT may be worth approaching your landlord to see if you can pay less rent in the coming months, or spread payments for the next couple of months’ rent out over the next year. As community leaders push for rent freezes, your landlord may prefer such an arrangement to not receiving any rent at all.

BE WARY. Landlords cannot make excessive demands like demanding tenants to hand over their $1200 stimulus check as a condition for not filing an eviction order. Don’t agree to unreasonable conditions or terms you won’t be able to meet, especially if there are enacted protections against such arrangements.

From Dale Smith, CNET 7.23.2020