Although widespread vaccination and the steady re-opening of the economy have shed a positive light that the Covid-19 nightmare may be over soon, millions of Americans continue to struggle financially because of the pandemic. Perhaps the most fundamental concern shared by all landlords and tenants involves paying rent. To that effect, the federal government has extended the rent moratorium until June 30, 2021.
The moratorium extends the forbearance arrangement between tenants and landlords, barring evictions due to nonpayment. However, it is crucial to remember that you should continue to pay rent if you can, as the relief does not absolve tenants of their duty to pay rent but merely halts the eviction process in court. That means a landlord can still file an eviction lawsuit but cannot legally force their tenants to vacate the premise. The landlord may also start an action to sue for owed rent outside of the eviction. Additionally, landlords can still remove tenants for egregious behavior such as destroying property or acting violently within the home.
Other forms of rent relief are still available for those who qualify through local, state, and federal channels. If you have any questions regarding the complex issues around rental relief or landlord-tenant law in general, contact our experienced attorneys. Discussing your potential issues with an attorney may give you a better understanding of your rights as a landlord or tenant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Our experienced attorneys can help protect your financial and property rights today. Give our experienced litigation attorneys a call at 732-490-1777 a free initial consultation.