COVID-19 And Eviction: What We Know Now

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Every morning I wake up to find that I am living in a different world than the morning before. Things are happening fast. We’re doing our best to keep up with all the activity at different levels of government impacting housing and rental property. Many residents will not be able to make rent payments on April 1st. Thousands of people have lost their jobs. I urged that we focus on income assistance rather than eviction. The assistance may be on the way: there is a $1,200 check proposed from the federal government. I’m still opposed to bans; I think they are going to be very difficult to undo and will remain in place for an extended period of time. I’m also certain that we’ll see an emergency imposition of emergency rent control, again, not necessary given the state of the economy. Rent control started during World War II in New York City — It is still in place.  The truth is that housing providers are already working with their customers to help address the problems of income. I’d point out the message Preston Walls has shared with his residents, something he did with no order, mandate, or intervention. It just makes sense.  As of March 20, here is a run down of what’s been done in our area thus far starting at the national level and working down. I do not have much in the way of help for rental assistance. I’ll work on that. This organization is going to be facing challenges ahead. To keep working for you we need your help. I know hanging on to cash is critical, but if everyone that got this message contributed $1000, we could be sure to be here through this and at the other end. Please consider making a contribution, everything helps.  Federal Government(Foreclosure and Eviction)– A 60 day Moratorium on foreclosures for single-family mortgages backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the Federal Housing Finance Agency. This forbearance can be extended as long as a year. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) encourages local housing authorities to hold off on evictions on their residents. Washington State(Eviction and Taxes)– The Governor issued a 30-day moratoriumon issuing a 20-day notice for failure to pay rent on March 18, 2020. This does not apply to “orders of eviction issued for other reasons, including but not limited to waste, nuisance or commission of a crime on the premises. The Governor also issued waivers on tax paymentsfor businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Department of Revenue (DOR) can “suspend penalties and interest on certain late tax payments” on taxes collected by DOR, including late-filing fees for property tax exemption renewals, business license renewals, as well as excise tax interest on Business & Occupation taxes, real estate sales, and some other taxes administered by the department. The DOR can also implement payment plans without a tax lien. These waivers are in effect for 30 days.  King County(Property Taxes)– King County Assessor John Wilson wrote Governor Jay Insleerequesting property tax relief for businesses impacted by COVID-19. “We are asking that you use your authority to delay any payments for residential and commercial taxpayers in hardship situations and waive any penalties and interest.” Property taxes are due April 30, and Wilson requested the authority to delay collection and penalties. As of today, this request is still pending. City of Seattle(Residential and Commercial Evictions)– On March 17th, the Mayor issued and the Council affirmed a 60-day ban on any eviction of a residential tenant for lack of payment of rent. The order establishes itself as a defense against any court action for eviction. The order does not cover eviction for safety reasons, including a tenant engaged in threatening behavior.  On March 17, 2020, the Mayor issued and the Council affirmeda 60 day ban on eviction of any commercial business for non-payment of rent or because the end of a lease. The order further mandated working out payment plans and other options for commercial tenants unable to pay rent.   King County Sherriff– According to the Seattle Times, “Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht announced Tuesday that her office was suspending the service and enforcement of evictions countywide ‘until further notice.’” It is unclear whether that includes evictions already ordered and those that don’t involve non-payment of rent.  King County Superior Court– King County Superior Court Presiding Judge Jim Rogers postponed residential eviction cases until March 30. This seems moot at this point given the prevailing orders.  Please let us know how you’re dealing with this crisis. We need real stories from people working with residents and each other to show that nobody is using this as an excuse to evict anyone. Email me here: Roger@seattleforgrowth.org