Evictions: A Two-sided Problem!
Fr. Michael Carroll, CM
June 25, 2020
Evictions: A Two-sided Problem!
Evictions: A renter’s nightmare!
Cynthia Griffith educated me on the two-edged sword of the increasing number of evictions. The following excerpts, from a post on the Invisible People website, present some stark facts.
Despite knowing they are not permitted to evict for late or missed payments, some property owners have resorted to badgering tenants in order to get them to fork over cash they don’t have.
Some of the most commonly implemented harassment tactics include:
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Turning off electricity
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Shutting off heat and/or hot water
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Changing locks
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Showing the property to potential new renters or buyers
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Sending multiple harassing text messages
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Calling repeatedly requesting payments
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Making fake “repairs” that render essential appliances (like refrigerators, freezers, etc.) unusable
Other landlords have taken a different, but equally detrimental route by circulating false information. If your landlord has told you that once moratoriums are lifted, you will be required to pay back everything you owe in one lump sum, or if they stated that you don’t qualify for the national rent freeze, please know that both of those statements are lies.
Obstacles Renters Face
Due to international disaster, many renters are facing problems they never could have foreseen. Some of the most common concerns are as follows:
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Renters not knowing/understanding/having access to new laws designed to protect them
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Renters not knowing who to call if a landlord violates their rights
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Many agencies experiencing limited hours, causing delays for renters who seek legal knowledge or representation
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An air of uncertainty as moratoriums come to a close whilst tens of millions of Americans are still currently unemployed
Food for Thought: Landlords Have Bills to Pay Too
This post shows the ugly side of landlords abusing power. It’s important to remember, however, that not all landlords are pulling plugs, cutting water supplies, and locking tenants out of their residencies. Most are too busy trying to pay their own bills so they themselves don’t end up stranded with no place to live.
“the rent I collect barely even covers this property’s monthly expense. Honestly, I’m having financial difficulties, too — just like you and millions of other people…especially being self-employed as a realtor (and the real estate market got affected big time due to this COVID-19 pandemic).”
With moratoriums slowly lifting, it’s difficult to predict what will happen next. One thing is certain- housing is healthcare and we must find a way to make it available universally. Contact your local and nationwide representatives about extending moratoriums and relieving the financial burden placed on landlords as well.
Thank you, Cynthia! Cynthia Griffith is a freelance writer dedicated to social justice and environmental issues. The full article is well worth reading!
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