SAAA May 2020 Special Edition Residence Magazine MAY_2020_DIGITAL_Magazine

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 www.saaaonline.org | MAY 2020 SPECIAL EDITION 7

SAAA May 2020 Special Edition Residence Magazine MAY_2020_DIGITAL_Magazine | Page 7