With the partial government shutdown continuing into its fifth week, the Maryland Multi-Housing Association (MMHA) joins the National Apartment Association (NAA) in encouraging its members, and other rental housing providers, to assist apartment residents impacted by the closure.
Almost 800,000 employees, many within the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia areas, are currently furloughed and thus are without a steady income. As a result, the MMHA urges property managers to work with residents who may have difficulty paying their rent. Specifically, the trade group suggests creating payment plans, waiving late fees, accepting partial payments, and refraining from filing failure-to-pay rent cases. To aid rental property owners, the NAA has prepared customizable documents to communicate with management staff and residents.
“We believe that, as an industry, it’s paramount to ensure that residents can stay in their homes during this difficult time,” said Adam Skolnik, the MMHA’s executive director, in a press release. “We will guide and work with our members to support those residents who are impacted by the shutdown.”
The MMHA also suggests keeping copies of all agreements or arrangements in writing and recommends that rental property owners request a copy of residents’ furlough letters as well as a copy of their December pay stubs or leave-and-earnings statements for verification purposes.