As we’ve mentioned in a couple of our COVID-19 updates, under the CARES Act renters who live in “covered properties” as defined by the law may not be evicted for non-payment of rent for 120 days retroactive to March 27, 2020. Landlords are also prohibited from imposing fees, penalties, or other charges for non-payment of rent during the moratorium period and they must provide tenants with a 30-day notice of their intent to evict when the moratorium ends.
We’re glad this protection exists, but the advice we give to homeowners applies to tenants: take advantage of the relief if you need to, but it’s a good idea to pay your rent if you can in order to avoid having to make a huge payment when the moratorium ends.
What is a covered property?
Good question. The moratorium applies to most federally assisted rental housing programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Department of Agriculture, and the Department of Treasury including:
Public housing
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program
Section 8 project-based housing
Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program
Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities program
Section 236 multifamily rental housing
Section 221(d)(3) Below Market Interest Rate housing
HOME
Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS
Section 515 Rural Rental Housing program
Sections 514 and 516 Farm Labor Housing program
Section 533 Housing Preservation Grants
Section 538 multifamily rental housing
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit
The eviction moratorium applies to tenants whose owners mortgages are backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. That is great news, but finding out if you live in building that falls under this definition was a real challenge.
Until today. That’s when Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac launched websites that make it easier for renters to find out if they live in a covered property. You may access the Freddie Mac site here: https://myhome.freddiemac.com/renting/lookup.html?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
You may access the Fannie Mae site here: https://www.knowyouroptions.com/rentersresourcefinder?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery
In addition, both Freddie and Fannie have set up hotlines for tenants who have questions or need support. You can call Fannie at 877-542-9723. You can reach Freddie at 800-404-3097.
And if you still have questions and can’t get the answers or help you need contact DannLaw by emailing [email protected] or calling 877-475-8100 to schedule a no-cost consultation. We’ll be here to help throughout the COVID-19 crisis.