Evictions are Banned by Some Counties
According to the Texas Tribune, “Some cities and counties have opted to ban evictions for even longer than the Texas Supreme Court ordered. Austin instituted a 60-day grace period, and the Dallas City Council may follow suit. Earlier this month, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins halted evictions through May 18.”
Harris County also banned evictions through May 18.
Rent Relief Economic Packages
In Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner announced a $15 million rent relief program. The plan will use millions in federal COVID-19 relief funds to help Houstonians pay their rent.
If approved, the local nonprofit BakerRipley will manage the relief package.
Reports state that qualifying Houston renters who could not pay their April or May rent will receive $1,056 in rental assistance for each missed month.
The program is supported by the Houston Apartment Association and is expected to help 6,818 renting households in the Houston area.
Other cities are following Houston’s example. San Antonio officials announced a $25 million emergency housing assistance program. As of Thursday, they had already approved 4,737 applications.
The Dallas City Council also allocated about $13.7 million in federal funds to rent and mortgage assistance programs. Some households will receive up to $1,500 in aid per month for three months. Others may qualify for assistance lasting up to two years.
Apartment Associations are Stepping Up
Officials at the Texas Apartment Association represent 12,000 members, including about 7,500 property owners and operators. They said they are unsure whether evictions will suddenly increase.
“I can’t predict what’s coming five minutes from now, much less five months from now,” said Chris Newton, executive vice president of the Texas Apartment Association. “But I do think it’s important that all the stakeholders are working together because this is where we are all in uncharted waters. We’re going to have to figure out a way to manage this.”
Newton said association members have been advised to work out deals with residents. He added that evictions should be used only as a last resort.
As we move toward June 1st and another rent cycle, we are encouraged to see programs being enacted. These efforts will help ease the strain on the multifamily housing industry and support the renters who depend on it for their housing needs.