Pandemic - Resources For Tenants & Landlords

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There is a growing concern with business closing and tourism slowing/stopping due to the social distancing, that tenant or landlords without sufficient savings could find themselves in a jam when the first of the month rolls around.

With things seemingly getting more restricted I wanted to get some information for financial aid out there in advance, as a property manager who has managed 100s of homes and is closely monitoring this situation from that perspective.

The best thing you can do if you find yourself nearing your bills due date and not having the funds is:

Don’t wait, communicate.

Sounds cheesy I know, but I can’t tell you how many times I, as a property manager, have worked with people who called in advance, made promises and followed through on them vs the same situation ending in eviction because they wouldn’t return a phone call.

The first thing you should do is call the person or company as soon as you think there may be an issue. They may not be able to do anything for you, but at least you’ll know that in advance, and can prioritize your bills as such.

Some utility companies have put out notices that they won’t turn you off if you don’t pay your bill, and other large corporations that can afford to help are doing so – but you won’t know for sure until you call them and get the information from them directly. Something to keep in mind, most landlords are not getting rich off you. Most of my clients are using your rent payment to pay the mortgage on the house your renting. Any overage is minimal at best, so if you are unable to pay rent – chances are their mortgage won’t get paid either, so the sooner they know the sooner they can act and make arrangements if possible.

Next thing, if you are losing your job or hours due to forced shut downs:

Immediately file for unemployment benefits.

Benefits may be delayed, so time is of the essence here.

UPDATE [3/17/20 @ 2:25pm]

NC Governor Roy Cooper through executive order has lifted the following restrictions on applying for Unemployment due to the corona virus.

  1. Removed the 1 week wait to apply. You can apply immediately

  2. Removed the requirement prove to be actively searching for a job 

  3. You can apply if your pay has been reduced or have lost your job due to the virus

  4. You can apply remotely via internet or phone

  5. Employers are NOT responsible to pay for this unemployment benefit.

UPDATE [3/27/20 @ 9AM]

See how much and when your stimulus check will arrive here: https://apple.news/A9gonrfCyTwiWtw6yGHav5w

*I have listed a few places below you can seek some relief at, but please note – I compiled this list through the internet and recommendations of others that have used these places. I don’t know the exact details and things may change as we move through this crazy time. Please take this article as simply a resource of help, and if you choose to follow recommendations, you are doing so on your own free will. I strongly advise doing your research as well, and using this article as a starting point.*

With the future seeming like a pendulum swinging back and forth between the extremes of “Economic Crisis” and “Everything Will Be Fine Next Week”, it’s a scary time and it will undoubtably affect different people in different ways. If you think your housing may be in jeopardy due to a shortage of income, here are a few places that may provide some help.

UPDATE [3/31/20 @4:45PM]

CARE act and how it pertains to tenants and landlords: https://www.asklawnc.com/our-thoughts/128-cares-3

UPDATE [4/3/20 @12:30PM]

Tips from Pisgah Legal Services for tenants: https://www.facebook.com/88837770992/videos/971558916594156

UPDATE [4/16/20 @11:00AM]

If you own a small business or are self employed this easy guide can help you figure out what loan could be best for you and it’s terms.

GUIDE FOR THE SBA LOANS

For Tenants: 

  • My understanding is that Salvation Army and ABCCM are not doing financial assistance as of this date (03/17/2020)

  • Salvation Arm recommends people call and they may be able to screen you for assistance over the phone 828-253-4723  Details for financial assistance can be found at https://www.salvationarmycarolinas.org/asheville/help/food-pantry/

  • Eblin is taking requests for Financial Assistance with rent: 828-255-3066 Here’s a link to the form you need to fill out: https://www.eblencharities.org/assets/pdfs/rental_assistance_form.pdf

    • Side note: I have heard the line is long and they run out of money so get there early (I have heard 4am to get to the front of the line that opens at 8am),  Also Bring all important documents with you: SS Cards, Paystubs, Lease, ect.

  • St Vincent de Paul is a good resource as well, they only take calls on Monday Mornings: 828-775-1933

  • United Way, though they don’t have anything yet as emergency funding gets approved this will likely be a good resource – Dial 211 from your cell phone. 

For Landlords:

  • If you own a Rental Property and are worried about a tenant not being able to make rent there aren’t as many options

  • Call your mortgage company and ask if they can differ this month and next months payments till the end of your loan. Often in times of crisis the lender can move a monthly payment to the end of your loan and extend the payoff date by a month.

 Here’s the most important part for anyone who can’t meet their financial obligations:

Don’t wait to communicate!

Call your landlord or lender if the business you work for has shut down, or your income has dropped because of this virus. Make a plan and start trying to get aid NOW as it is likely to take longer later as more people apply.  Lately it has made the news that several areas including Buncombe County have closed small claims court for 30 days, effectively differing evictions for a moment. Though this may buy you some time, it won’t forgive your debt. Most evictions in our area are filed between the 16th and the 20th , well over 30 days from now, and wont have an effect on June’s rental payment unless it’s extended.

My hope is that no one needs this information and everything returns back to normal quickly, but if not hopefully this will help get you started to finding the relief you need.

I will continue to update this blog if and when new information comes in.

Additionally, if you’d like to encourage legislators to support direct federal rental assistance to families and individuals who have suffered a loss of income during the COVID-19 Crisis, click here. 

*This blog is not associated with Facebook in any way, and the sole purpose of this article is to share resources, from the perspective of a property manager and real estate expert. Please take this article as simply a resource of help, and if you choose to follow recommendations, you are doing so on your own free will. I strongly advise doing your research as well, and using this article as a starting point.