Currently, the Governor’s ban on evictions is set to expire on December 31st. The moratorium was originally set to end in September, but was extended as a result of the ongoing pandemic and the wildfires that devastated large areas of the state this summer. There is also a federal ban on evictions that was enacted to prevent a wave of evictions that the CDC determined would spread COVID19 through renters. This order applies to those already qualified for the CARES act, who have fallen behind on rent payments, preventing them from being forced into crowded living conditions or homeless shelters. The state moratorium prevents all no-cause evictions as well as no-cause evictions. Here’s what the eviction moratorium means for real estate investors in Prineville and the rest of Central Oregon and Eastern Oregon.
Other Reasons
Evictions for cause (other than non-payment of rent) during the eviction moratorium may still be processed for real estate investors in Central Oregon. You don’t have to tolerate tenants committing criminal acts, threatening other tenants, or giving you any other legitimate reason for eviction. It is highly advisable to practice due diligence in assuring that your tenant doesn’t qualify for the terms of any standing order and be prepared to withdraw from eviction proceedings should they produce a signed statement of financial difficulties due to the pandemic. Be certain you’re aware of not only the standing CDC order but the state’s current regarding tenants and evictions. Civil penalties for the landlord or the resident are a risk, landlords can be fined rather hefty sums. Tenants who cannot respond affirmatively to all qualifying questions don’t qualify. They are signing the document under penalties of perjury.
Partial Rent
When the order expires, not only will the unpaid rent still be owed by the tenant, their monthly rent payments will be due in full moving forward. One avenue is to discuss a plan with your tenants to begin making partial payments towards the monthly payment to the best of their ability, during the covered period. Otherwise, unpaid rent for real estate investors in Central Oregon under the rules of the eviction moratorium, means either financing the missing income from other sources or taking your tenants to court to sue for back rent. The outcome of the latter of these options is dubious at best, considering that financial hardship is the very reason for the non-payment of rent.
Filing Evictions
Though cases won’t be heard until the order expires, an update to the original eviction moratorium from the CDC means real estate investors in Central Oregon can start eviction court proceedings prior to the expiration of the order. The eviction cannot take place during the time period covered by the order. This update provides clarification on what is and isn’t covered under the guidelines of the order and can be found under the frequently asked questions section of the CDC website, as a document. In most cases, evictions take between 3 to 30 days, but cases being heard in Oregon‘s circuit courts are currently moving very slowly. Depending on the rules in place at the end of the moratoriums, courts will begin executing evictions. These eviction proceedings may begin as early as January of 2021. Landlords should remain abreast of updates on recent court cases that have been filed, fighting the moratorium on behalf of landlords, based on the premise that the CDC doesn’t have the constitutional authority to enact policies on rent.
Repayment Plan
Whenever possible real estate investors in Central Oregon should consider devising a repayment plan for the back rent that has accumulated during the eviction moratorium. In many cases, landlords and tenants have an amicable relationship and wish to do whatever is possible to maintain the current arrangement. If both parties can afford this option and are agreeable to the amount that would be added in monthly amounts, in addition to future rent payments, you could keep your good tenants. As an added bonus, you will know you have helped a family keep their home. It would be best for all parties if you could work with your tenants well in advance of the looming deadline.
Document Communication
When communicating with tenants under the protection of the eviction moratorium, real estate investors in Central Oregon would be wise to carefully document all communication. Should things progress legally, you will have every piece of evidence available to show your actions and whatever steps taken to work with your tenants during this time. Your documents will also provide backup, should your tenant attempt to omit any facts during the court proceedings, you can protect yourself from such a possibility with careful record-keeping.
Deschutes Home Buyers will help you understand your rights as a landlord and all that the eviction moratorium means for real estate investors in Central Oregon and Eastern Oregon. Deschutes Home Buyers is happy to answer any of your questions or concerns about what will happen to renters after the new year. Just reach out to our team by sending us a message or giving us a call or text today at 503-383-1686!