The
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security or “CARES” Act was enacted into law on March 27, 2020. In addition to the relief enumerated in two of our recent articles (
Nuts & Bolts of Stimulus Package - House Passes 2 Trillion Dollar Stimulus Package and
Forbearance and Foreclosure Moratorium in Coronavirus Stimulus), the CARES Act also provides relief to residential tenants.
Under the CARES Act, from March 27, 2020 to July 25, 2020, landlords of 1- to 4-family and multifamily (5 or more) properties with FHA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac mortgage loans may NOT:
- Initiate a legal action to recover possession based on nonpayment of rent or other fees or charges;
- Charge fees, penalties or other charges related to the nonpayment of rent;
- Require the tenant to vacate with less than 30-days’ notice; and
- Issue the 30-day notice to vacate until after July 25, 2020.
In addition, landlords who obtain a forbearance on their multifamily mortgage due to a financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 outbreak are prohibited from doing the above before their forbearance period expires.
