September 2020

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Moratorium on Evictions

In an effort to prevent the further spread of COVID-19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announced an emergency public health order which temporarily halts most evictions for nonpayment of rent through December 31, 2020. The moratorium went into effect on Friday, September 4, 2020.

Under the order, renters who earn less than $99,000 annually (or $198,000 for a married couple household) are eligible for the moratorium. Renters must provide their landlord with an affidavit stating that they have sought government assistance for rent or housing; are unable to pay rent due to a substantial loss in income or because of extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses; are making their best effort to make partial rent payments, and would be faced with homelessness or overcrowding as a result of the eviction.

The moratorium does not change the obligations of tenants to eventually pay their rent or any late fees that may accrue. More information on the moratorium is available in the federal register here or in this frequently asked questions resource.

On September 15th, 2020, you should have received an email from RIHousing with more information on the moratorium. Please click here to view that information.

Properties with tenants who are having trouble paying their rent can work with them to find resources that may be available to provide rental assistance. These include:

• Safe Harbor: More information available here.
• Home Safe: More information available here.
• Emergency Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (E-TBRA):
  More information available here.

What Multifamily Owners Need to Know about
Home Modification

HUD’s Office of Multifamily Housing Programs is pleased to provide a new resource that explains how many simple, low-cost modifications can make a huge difference to the comfort and safety of older adults in multifamily housing, allowing them to thrive in independent housing well into old age.

The resource provides a list of modification ideas—from simply installing nightlights to physical alterations such as widening doorways and leveling thresholds. It also explains the responsibilities of owners under the law and lists programs and sources of funding that owners and service coordinators can explore to assist with home modification for residents.

View the introduction to the home modification program:

• Helping Older Adults Age Safely in Place: What Multifamily Owners Need to Know about Home Modification

‣ Reminders

• Make sure you report each instance of COVID-19 at your site(s) to RIHousing using this form.
  
  
• Management and Occupancy review procedures continue to change as we receive guidance from HUD. Please make sure to reach out to your asset manager if you have any questions or concerns about procedures.

We'd love to hear from you!

We hope you've found this edition of Property Matters to be helpful to you and your work. If you have thoughts or suggestions for this e-newsletter, please share with us at pbca_eblast@rihousing.com.