Eviction Moratorium Bill in Colorado

[Patty Capson]

Urgent Call to Action Re: Eviction Moratorium Bill June 8, 2020 The proposed Rent Moratorium Bill which we mentioned in our earlier newsletter has still not been introduced and assigned to a Senate Committee for debate yet. However, we need to act on the latest draft of the bill and communicate opposition with 3 key Senators now. Please email the below Senators as soon as possible! Sen. Pete Lee (El Paso County-Colorado Springs, Manitou Springs) - Sen. Rachel Zenzinger (Jefferson County - Arvada) - Sen. Joann Ginal (Larimer County - Fort Collins) - A fully copy of the latest draft of the Bill and our one-page summary and talking points can be found here: https://mcusercontent.com/988acf0cfce2504c029ccd116/files/066f75f4-5eaa-4f1c-9ad1-febe93e2847c/Talking_Points_from_AAMD_and_Proposed_Bill.pdf The bill would impose a moratorium on evictions against all residents (with no meaningful documented COVID related hardship) effectively giving all residents the legal ability not to pay rent for more than a year. This bill would be devastating to our businesses if enacted. It is critical that all housing providers communicate opposition to this bill through emails to these 3 key Senators. The following a sample communication, which can be utilized as a starting point for an email: "I have seen the draft of Sen. Gonzales' bill entitled COVID Relief for Tenants. This bill would place a moratorium on demanding any rent or filing any claim to obtain rent in court through May 2, 2021. Following the expiration of this moratorium, an owner would still have to go through the 2-month eviction process, meaning owners will not get possession of their property until June 2021 or later. The is no corresponding mortgage forbearance. There is no meaningful requirement for a significant resident hardship nor any ability to verify those claims. There is no ability for an owner to submit a controversy to a court to determine the accuracy of any claims. Even making written demand for rent subjects an owner to penalties equal to the greater of 3 months of rent or $3,000, plus attorney fees. This moratorium on demanding rent for more than a year for any resident that claims inability to pay for any reason will destroy my business. My livelihood, the jobs of my employees and suppliers and my ability to sustain housing for others in the community depends on you voting no on this bill when introduced" I encourage you to change the content to reflect your own communication style and any particular opposition points that you find most relevant.