Renter doesn't want to pay until next year

[Dorys Prentice]

I was reading this post. https://www.biggerpockets.com/... about a letter to send to our renters, however, I'm wondering if this it is still a valid letter.  The news media/government are basically telling everyone that they don't have to pay rent.

My cousin has a renter in FL.  She received a call from her renter saying that she wasn't going to pay rent until next year!  My cousin didn't respond because she doesn't really know what the law is in this Covid-19 era.

I see that Gov. Desantes halted evictions for 45 day. 

I think this situation we're in is going to be taken advantage of by 1000s of renters nationwide.  She's at a loss.

What is the latest advice on dealing with this?

[Aaron K.]

Well she is not going to be living there rent free until next year, unless the government picks up the tab.  What it looks like now is that for those who chose or are unable to pay rent in the near term will have to work out payment plans with their landlords and pay the back due rent over time or face eviction when the moratoriums are lifted and the backlog cleared.  This may vary between areas and always talk to someone in the know in your area before taking any action.