COVID 19 Update
COVID-19 spread continues to escalate in the Treasure Valley. As reported on September 24: 39,234 cases in Idaho to date, 491 new cases confirmed and probable on 9/24. 457 deaths to date. The case data are based on surveillance system records provided by the public health districts. Stage 4 stay Healthy Guidelines remain in effect. State response efforts continue on a local or regional basis.
For more information: https://coronavirus.idaho.gov/
Eviction Ban: Important Information for Property Owners
By Athena Savoglou
Per our recent email, we wanted to make sure our Owners have an update on the Federal Eviction Ban that went into effect on September 4, 2020. The order is not a blanket ban on evictions, but rather states that tenants who meet certain criteria cannot be evicted in the interest of public health for the rest of this year. See below:
The Order protects tenants who:
- have used their best efforts to obtain government assistance for housing
- are unable to pay their full rent due to a substantial loss of income
- are making their best efforts to make timely partial payments of rent, and
- would become homeless or have to move into a shared living setting if they were to be evicted.
In addition to the above requirements, one of the following financial criteria must apply. To qualify for protection, tenants must:
- expect to earn no more than $99,000 (individuals) or $198,000 (filing joint tax return) in 2020
- not have been required to report any income to the IRS in 2019, or
- have received an Economic Impact Payment (stimulus check) pursuant to Section 2201 of the CARES Act.
Tenants must complete a declaration under penalty of perjury that they meet the criteria listed in the Order.
Landlords who violate the Order may be subject to criminal penalties including fines and jail time.” (source: Nolo)
Fortunately, here in Idaho, there is help at hand to prevent tenants falling behind in rent. The Idaho Housing and Finance Association has a short-term assistance program in place to support tenants unable to pay their rent and/or utilities due to a COVID-19 related economic crisis. The tenant does not have to be in arrears in order to qualify. Documentation indicating a future inability to pay rent is sufficient to qualify for the assistance. Typically applicant processing can take between 3-7 days with a further 7-10 days for the assistance to arrive. This program allows 3-months of assistance at a time with a total limit of six months assistance.
RMA will be closely monitoring Federal, State and City eviction guidelines. If you have a tenant who submits a declaration under the new Federal eviction ban, we will immediately notify you and work toward a best-possible outcome.
To read more, please visit Nolo’s article.
Maintenance Updates
Gutter Cleanings and HVAC services should be scheduled in October. Hot Water Heater service and Roof/Attic and Crawl Space Inspections will start to be billed in October.
The maintenance updates only apply to those of you who have pre-ordered these preventative maintenance services. If you didn’t opt in for a service you read about in this newsletter, and would like to schedule a service, just email MacKenzie at maintenance@rentalsinboise.com to let her know.)
Other questions? Please email maintenance@rentalsinboise.com or call: 208-514-4864.
Accounting Updates
There are no new accounting updates this month.
If you ever have questions about your statement, please contact your property managers:
Spencer Henderson, spencer@rentalsinboise.com
DaNay Salas, danay@rentalsinboise.com
If you have trouble logging into your client portal, please contact your property managers or Brandy Ker at RMAinfo@rentalsinboise.com.
Tenant Update
This month’s tenant newsletter reminds tenants about the importance of using only LED lightbulbs, as they are the safest and most energy efficient.
This month, we feature a crossword puzzle, the clues for which are hidden in our Reminders sections as well as the feature article. Check out our tenant newsletter this month:
https://rentalsinboise.com/property-management-blog/october-2020-rma-lightbulbs-door-dash-gift-card/