JUNE_2020_DIGITAL_Magazine | Page 35

The Texas Apartment Association will be updating you regularly about our resources and actions taken to respond to challenges our members are facing in response to the coronavirus and COVID-19. Texas Apartment Association revised eviction petition for temporary use; meets new requirement under recent Texas Supreme Court order: The Texas Apartment Association has revised its sample eviction petition to meet the requirement under the recent Texas Supreme Court emergency order, allowing nonpayment of rent evictions to be heard beginning May 19. The Court’s order requires petitions for evictions filed between March 27 and July 25 to include a statement that the premises are not subject to the moratorium on evictions imposed by Section 4024 of the CARES Act. This revised petition, for use through July 25, includes that provision. The Supreme Court’s order expires July 25 unless extended. The Texas Apartment Association continues to encourage members to work as possible with residents to avoid evictions. For additional information, see the REDBOOK article, “Before You Evict: Alternatives to Eviction” and the video on REDBOOK Online “Possible Alternatives to Eviction, with TAA 2019- 2020 President Mark Hurley.” The revised petition is available now on the TAA website and will be available tomorrow to TAA Click & Lease users. The goal of the Supreme Court’s order is to have a consistent statewide approach for handling eviction cases in light of the CARES Act. While the Court’s order allows nonpayment of rent evictions to move forward, there still may be local mandates in place affecting the eviction process. Sample rules for reopening amenities TAA has also prepared sample rules properties may use when reopening amenities, to explain policies and procedures put in place as a result of efforts to minimize the spread of coronavirus. Remember, the TAA Lease allows properties to make reasonable changes in rules during the lease term, if they are distributed to all residents, apply consistently to all residents and do not change dollar amounts on page 1 or 2. The new sample rules are intended to be customized and incorporated into your existing policies. Download these sample rules. Advocacy updates TAA is also working with elected leaders to make sure they are aware of steps members have taken to provide for renters during this crisis, and better understand industry concerns. Nationally, we have sent comments to Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz about the HEROES Act passed by the U.S. House. While this legislation includes some renter relief funding and expansion of mortgage forbearance programs supported by the industry, it also would create a 12-month eviction moratorium for virtually all properties, in addition to other measures that would be very detrimental to rental housing providers. At the state level, we have provided ongoing updates to state leaders about the industry’s response to the COVID-19 cris.is, and have sent Gov. Greg Abbott a letter outlining the industry’s concerns with property tax appraisal increases members are experiencing. Questions? TAA has a dedicated email for members with coronavirus-related questions: [email protected] RECENTLY UPDATED CORONAVIRUS RESOURCE PAGE www.saaaonline.org | JUNE 2020 SPECIAL EDITION 35