Forbearance and eviction freeze

[Walter Fabiszewski]

I was just thinking about this today as I was driving home: the federal government has implemented an evection freeze in effect until December 31, 2020 for all tenants claiming to be adversely affected by COVID-19. They’ve also told banks who have issued federally backed mortgages that they must provide forbearance for any homeowners claiming to be affected by COVID-19. Are there any programs requiring banks who issued car loans to cease and desist repos for car owners suffering from the effects of COVID?  When I first got out of my own I was always told that paying the rent should be my first priority because I need a roof over my head. All the other bills come secondary. Thankfully all of my tenants are paying their rent on time. However I have some friends who have tenants claiming hardships and not paying rent because they know they can’t be evicted right now. One tenant even told my friend that he can’t afford to pay the rent because he has to pay his car loan. Why are landlords getting screwed and have to carry a property if banks with car loans are still allowed to repossess cars?

[Patricia Steiner]

The eviction moratorium is to avoid an increase spread of the virus through homelessness/couch surfing/more.  But you already know this...there is "no right to ride" so having a car repossessed is not on the same level.  But here's what landlords can do:  Sue for unpaid rent...don't evict - sue.  File a Small Claims Court Action and go after your rent.  The tenant might not be paying their rent - but chances are they are paying for their shiny ride because taking the bus sucks. Time to shift their priorities!  The moratorium is only on eviction.  You can still sue and you can still file for eviction - which I recommend to get your place in line once the moratorium is lifted.

And, please know that I totally get your frustration. This was one crazy way for the government to avoid doing its job during a national crisis.  All we can do is know what the moratorium doesn't include and capitalize on those remedies.  

Thanks for posting what you did...many of us are thinking it and you had the courage to say it.