Update from Michelle Rawn on Evictions

[Rob Bergeron]

I wanted to give everyone an update on the Governor's latest executive order and how it affects investors. As of yesterday at 4:30 pm, landlords are now required to give tenants a 30 day notice for all non-payment of rent eviction notices. The notice also must include language about the landlord and tenant discussing payment options, etc. to help the tenant get caught up with rent. In addition, there cannot be any late fees, interest or penalties charged to the tenant from March 6 through December 31.

What this means for landlords in Jefferson County, Kentucky, is that you will most likely not be able to get an eviction judgment and warrant for possession (sheriff set out) to reclaim your rental property until January of 2021 since the eviction courts in Jefferson County do not hear cases the last 3 weeks of the year.

Court dates for evictions are already into October. The Kentucky Supreme Court ordered that all evictions for non-payment of rent will automatically be continued for 14 days from the initial hearing date to give landlords and tenants the opportunity to work out payment arrangements or obtain rental assistance. We'll have more details to follow.