Important Information for Families That Are Past Due on Mortgage and Rental Payments
By Office of Communication
Posted on May 18, 2020, May 18, 2020

If you or your family has been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, information is available to help you regarding payment of your rental unit and mortgage.

Help for Homeowners Who Can’t Pay Their Mortgage Due to the COVID-19 Crisis:

If you are unable to make your mortgage payments due COVID-19, help is available through the Federal CARES Act mortgage payment relief for single family homeowners. Mortgage servicers have been instructed to offer deferred or reduced mortgage payments by as much as six months. Assistance is available for FHA, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, VA, USDA and some privately owned mortgages.

Apply for assistance through your mortgage servicer, preferable through its website as phone calls may take longer. This relief applies to the property you reside in and also to rental properties that you might own.

 If you have questions about the process, contact The Housing Channel at www.housingchannel.org or 817-924-5091.

Help for Tenants Who Can’t Pay Their Rent Due to the COVID-19 Crisis:

The State of Texas had issued a halt on evictions through May 18. However, that does not mean you do not owe rent. If you can pay your rent, you should.

CARES Act protects tenants of certain multifamily properties from eviction for non-payment of rent from March 27 through July 24. Visit nlihc.org/federal-moratoriums to see a list of included apartment complexes. Tenants are not protected from eviction for other violations of their lease.

Here are a few things you can do now:

  •  Reach out to your landlord to negotiate a repayment agreement for past due rent and ask not to charge late fees. Many will be willing to work with you.
  • Ask for unemployment, even if you don’t think you are eligible. Some people who weren’t eligible before may be eligible now. Visit twc.texas.gov.
  • When you receive a stimulus check, use it wisely. Plan ahead for unexpected items like medical co-pays and car repairs. Or use it to pay a portion of your rent. Many nonprofit agencies are offering free counseling to people, helping them make good choices on the use of this money.
  • Many employers are hiring. Register with Workforce Solutions at workforcesolutions.net to find what is available.

Important Information for Landlords With Tenants Who Can’t Pay Rent Due to COVID-19 Crisis:

The State of Texas had issued a halt on evictions through May 18. The Federal CARES Act protects tenants of certain multifamily properties from eviction for non-payment of rent from March 27 through July 24. Visit nlihc.org/federal-moratoriums to determine if your property is included.

Here are a few things to consider:

  • Be patient. Many tenants want to pay but have yet to receive their unemployment and stimulus checks. Housing leaders and nonprofit agencies are counseling tenants to make good choices about the use of their unemployment and stimulus checks.
  • For tenants impacted by COVID-19, the Apartment Association of Tarrant County encourages its member landlords to waive late fees on rent, establish rental repayment plans, and not evict due to non-payment.
  • Consider repayment plans with your tenants. Once they begin receiving their unemployment and stimulus checks, they will be able to start paying rent. Stay in contact with your tenants about their situation and discuss when they can start repaying their rent.
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