Coronavirus No-Eviction Rules Do Not Cancel Rent Obligations to Landlords
Lawyer for rental properties says some tenants failing to understand no-eviction rules
DALLAS, April 8, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The coronavirus/COVID-19 has spurred multiple local governments and courts nationwide to prohibit tenants from being evicted from their apartments and homes. However, many renters who are protected from eviction mistakenly believe they do not owe rent, according to Texas landlord/tenant law attorney Darrell Cook.
"The current patchwork of no-eviction rules has led to a great number of people thinking they do not have to pay their rent when the law says otherwise," says Mr. Cook, who represents landlords and property owners.
Tenants who don't pay their rent on time are in breach of their rental contracts. That means they can be evicted as soon their local restrictions end and courts get back in business, cautions the founder of Dallas' Darrell W. Cook & Associates.
"Tenants really should continue to pay their rent if they can. If not, they need to immediately contact their landlord about a possible rent-deferral agreement," says Mr. Cook. "Landlords rely on rent payments to take care of mortgage payments, property maintenance, utilities, taxes, etc. They can't continue renting their properties if they can't pay those costs."
Mr. Cook says many of his clients are working with tenants to develop deferral arrangements.
"My landlord clients want to keep their loyal tenants as much those renters want a place to live," Mr. Cook says. "My advice for landlords is to work with tenants as much as possible."
If a renter and a landlord can't reach a payment agreement, the landlord still can send the tenant a notice to vacate in most counties, which will open the door for an eviction lawsuit once no-eviction orders are lifted.
"Many tenants believe bankruptcy is an option but that likely only provides a brief respite because judges regularly lift bankruptcy stays so a landlord can begin eviction proceedings," Mr. Cook says.
Darrell W. Cook & Associates has represented residential and commercial landlords in all facets of landlord/tenant law for decades. In addition to tenant eviction matters, the firm also focuses on, bankrupt tenants, issues landlords have with city governments, drafting leases and other related forms, landlord liens, writs of possession, eviction appeals, negotiating lease work outs, and many others.
For more information, contact Darrell W. Cook & Associates at 214-368-4686 or [email protected].
SOURCE Darrell W. Cook & Associates
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