Tenant not able to pay rent because of Coronovirus Pandemic

[Pradeep A.]

Hi,

My tenant is not able to pay rent because he claims that he got temporarily laidoff. I have a mortgage to pay on the house which is the almost same as the rent about $2100. 

I am in a tough situation. What are my options? 

Can I get him evicted in this coronovirus situation? 

Does the tenant need to provide proof that he is laid off? Does he need to show that he is looking for job elsewhere?

I can only give April rent deferred, but I dont know how long I will have to sustain this.

Please let me know what are the options and paths I could take.

thanks

Pradeep

[Theresa Harris]

@Pradeep A.  You probably can't evict him as most places have banned that.  Ask him what he is able to pay explaining that you can't waive the entire rent for April and work out a payment plan for the rest.  Many governments are rolling out help for those who lost their jobs in addition to an unemployment benefits (don't know if you get that in the States).  Ask for a letter from his employer (assuming they are open).  Then once he gets government help, he can start paying back the rent that he owes you...get it all in writing.