SAAA April 2020 Special Edition Residence Magazine APR_2020_DIGITAL_Magazine | Page 7

Statement by the San Antonio Apartment Association
As we continue to deal with the impact of COVID-19 and its ripple effect on jobs and
the economy, it’s important that we work together as a community to help prevent
people from being displaced from their homes. We have included some frequently
asked questions and answers to help navigate through these uncertain times.
If you are unable to pay your rent during this
time of crisis, what should you do? If you live at a San Antonio Housing Authority-owned communi-
ty or are a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) recipient.
The most important thing that you can do is communicate your situ- ation
with your Property Manager. Providing documentation from an employ-
er or other documentation that shows how you have been im- pacted
by this crisis will improve your chances for getting the help you need.
Ignoring notices and requests to contact your Property Manager is not
advised. Frequent and timely communication is the best course of action.
Reminder: Once you have an eviction on your record, it can make finding
a place to live much more difficult and lead to higher move-in deposits. Both public housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) residents
who experience a loss or reduction of wages can submit a change of
income request to SAHA. Call them at 210-477-6999. More informa-
tion can be found at: https://saha.org/coronavirus/
Justice of the Peace courts will not hold eviction cases or remove peo-ple
from their homes through April 19th. However, you can still be is-sued a
notice to vacate by your Property Manager for non-payment of rent. This
will usually occur if you fail to respond to notices and re-quests to contact
your Property Manager.
The members of the San Antonio Apartment Association understand that
we must face this crisis as a community and fully understand that it is
having an impact on all of us. We, like every other business, have employ-
ees and supplier partners that depend on us for their livelihood. The San
Antonio Apartment Association has encouraged its members to consider
waiving late fees and set up payment arrangements for residents im-pact-
ed by the COVID-19 crisis.
Please remember that they can’t help you if you do not communicate
your situation with them. When court proceedings resume, you will still
owe any amounts due and may be subject to eviction; therefore, trying
to work with your landlord to make payment arrangements is your best
course of action.
I am a renter and need assistance paying my rent
and/or other bills, where can I go for help?
If you need rental payment assistance, there are several groups and
agencies that can help, please see the attached list.
If you are unable to pay your utility bills during this
time of crisis, what should you do?
CPS Energy and SAWS have suspended disconnects during the COVID-19
crisis. Your bills will continue to accrue; but, your services will not be
disconnected. Utility assistance programs are available, please see the
attached list.
On properties owned or managed by the San Antonio Housing
Authority. SAHA has placed a moratorium on Notices to Vacate for
non-payment of rent, lease violations and evictions for non-criminal
activity until further notice.
Housing Choice Voucher. In situations where residents have agree-
ments with private landlords, SAHA has no authority to suspend no-
tices to vacate or evictions. However, all apartments in San Antonio
(including those with Section 8 residents) are still subject to the Dec-
laration of Public Health Emergency issued by Bexar County and the
statewide order from the Texas Supreme Court to suspend eviction
court cases until April 19.
Resident Service and Access to Amenities
During the crisis, Rental Communities are following CDC recommen-
dations to practice social distancing. Our members may:
• Close Amenities
• Ask you to pay rent online
• Close office to non-employees
• Limit repairs to emergency situations only
Please be understanding as they institute these recommendations,
because they are doing so to protect both you and their employees.
Where do I go for more information
Renter Information: www.saaaonline.org/tenant-resources
General information on COVID-19:
City of San Antonio Metro Health Department:
www.sanantonio.gov/Health/News/Alerts/CoronaVirus
COVID-19 Hotline – 210-207-5779
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
White House: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/up-
loads/2020/03/03.16.20_coronavirus-guidance_8.5x11_315PM.pdf
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