As a Riverdale rental property owner, you understand the importance of legal compliance with your rental practices and property management. You probably also recognize how quickly the guidelines and statutes can change. This year has presented landlords and owners with new challenges and renters new hardships, as well. Now more than ever, it’s essential to know the law and understand the recent federal orders to ensure you’re engaging in legal operations.
The COVID-19 Effect on Legal Compliance
Due to the pandemic mitigation efforts and economic shutdowns, many Americans found themselves furloughed and unemployed. The Aspen Institute reported this summer that 29% of households admitted to having difficulty in meeting the next month’s rent. These financial hardships brought about federal relief efforts and new guidelines, including a ban on evictions for tenants directly affected by conditions due to COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control endorsed such moratoriums citing eviction restrictions could help prevent the spread of the virus.
Making Sense of Legal Compliance
Local judges are still trying to interpret how these federal bans on evictions apply to regional cases. While it’s understood relief is necessary at the tenant-level, there then becomes a host of challenges for those Riverdale rental property owners who also have bills to pay. Some predict the courts will see a floodgate of new cases brought forth in 2021.
It’s important to note that tenants must prove they qualify for the eviction protections. To qualify, renters have to officially declare they have experienced “substantial” loss of income and are making “best efforts” to obtain government assistance or attempting partial rent payments. Charles Bliss, the advocacy director for Atlanta Legal Aid Society, pointed out in an interview that this new law will certainly help stop most of the immediate eviction actions. He went on to remind both tenants and landlords that renters can still be evicted outside of this moratorium for reasons other than not paying their monthly rent.
Legal Compliance Resources
Riverdale rental property owners, even those who may be unaffected by non-paying renters, need to have a general understanding of legal compliance guidelines. There are countless rental property-related resources available to help direct your efforts. Some of the most basic information is available with the Georgia Landlord-Tenant Handbook. In the state of Georgia, there isn’t a governing body or agency with immediate power to regulate the tenant-landlord agreement. This official handbook is designed to offer an overview and answers to frequently asked questions. Property owners can also seek the advice of legal counsel. If you’re unsure of your legal rights and responsibilities or have questions about the recent laws and guidelines, a lawyer can help you navigate those waters.
Having a Riverdale Rental Property Manager Can Help
You might need a hand with managing your Riverdale rental property and navigating the legal compliance issues you face in the coming weeks. Having a local professional in a property manager position can ensure you continue to communicate effectively with the tenants you have and ensure new renters understand your agreement terms. Having a rental management partner can mean having a dedicated compliance team at your disposal to help you stay ahead of the ever-changing compliance landscape.
Whatever challenges you might be facing right now as a property owner, know there are resources and professionals available to help. For answers to your legal compliance questions, as they relate to your Riverdale rental property, contact us! We can help guide your next steps with existing tenants and can be an invaluable partner in everything from rent collection to attorney referrals. Interpreting lawful compliance guidelines can be confusing. But knowing you have an ally to help can make all the difference.
