Tag Archives: Houston

Eviction Moratorium Update -Central Texas

Posted on July 9, 2021 by admin

Last year, to lessen the impact of COVID-19, landlords across the country were required to cease any and all eviction proceedings. The order, backed by the CDC’s recommendations, went into effect on September 4, 2020. The order is set to expire on July 31, 2021. Though most Texas cities adopted the CDC guidelines, not all areas have been in full agreement. 

Moratorium Order Endings 

Houston is one of the few cities that never put a local moratorium order into place. Even through the thick of the pandemic, they have continued allowing evictions to take place. Despite the Texas Supreme Court issuing its own statewide moratorium, over 30,000 eviction cases have been filed since March 2020. The statewide order was able to slow some proceedings down, but this ended on May 18, 2020. In addition to the conclusion of the statewide order, the Texas Supreme court ceased enforcement of national moratorium as well. Since then, Houston’s eviction numbers have steadily increased with little to no federal involvement.

Order Extension

Austin, on the other hand, passed their own Eviction Moratorium order as part of their March 2020 emergency ordinance. Despite CDC guidelines, the previous extension was set to expire on May 1, 2021. A day prior to it’s expiration, however, Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Travis County Judge Andy Brown, announced an extension through August 1, 2021.

The main reason for this decision was to encourage tenants to seek out rental assistance if needed before lifting the order entirely. Predictions of an overwhelming number of eviction filings once the order expires are a great cause for concern. Last summer alone it was predicted that 30 to 40 million Americans were at risk of being evicted.

Exceptions

Even though the extension was designed to protect the majority of tenants, there are some exceptions. As of June 1, 2021, Travis County court portals opened once again, allowing for some Notice of Evictions to be filed. In order for landlords to file a Notice of Eviction, the tenants must meet the following qualifications:

  • Owe 5 months or more of outstanding rent.
  • Tenants and Landlords must have exhausted* all available assistance remedies.
  • Tenants must pay no more than $2,475.00 each month in rent.
  • Must not be a commercial tenant.

*The order defines “exhausted” as meaning that all applications for all available rental assistance remedies have been denied or pending for more than 45 days.

Rental Eviction Remedies

In light of the Eviction Moratorium orders, several programs have been made available to assist struggling renters, and sometimes even landlords. The city of Austin has provided over $25 million in federal funds for rental assistance alone. Qualifying renters for such assistance programs must meet these requirements:

  • Must have been financially impacted by the pandemic, and/or qualify for unemployment. 
  • Must prove that you are on the verge of homelessness.
  • Must have made less than 80% of the median family income of $78,100 per year (for 2020).

*Immigration status does not come into play for eligibility.

Additional assistance programs include:

City and County officials are encouraging anyone facing eviction that meets the outlined standards to contact the specific agencies for further information on how these programs can help.

Conclusion

Although the Eviction Moratorium has helped many families remain in their homes during the pandemic, it is important to remember that any and all owed rents will still legally be due once the eviction ban has been lifted. This extension is only valid throughout the Austin and Travis County areas but the majority of Texas, including Dallas, anticipates to follow the CDC’s timeline and open up eviction proceedings starting July 31, 2021.

Want to stay in the know? As the leading staffing agency for the Texas multifamily industry, Hire Priority prides themselves on staying up-to-date with the latest legislation, laws, and trends. Contact us now to learn how we can help you.

Posted in Management Advice, TX, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , |

The Top 7 Things Not to Say in a Job Interview

Posted on June 15, 2014 by Hire Priority

The Top 7 Things Not to Say in a Job Interview

Job interviews are nerve-wracking. Even the most prepared of candidates can find themselves rambling or stuttering once they are face to face with an interviewer.

But no matter how nervous you get, there are many things that you should never say in a job interview. These phrases are automatic red flags to an employer, signals that they should move on to the next candidate as quickly as possible.

Especially in the case of apartment jobs, acing your interview is crucial. Leasing positions require candidates who are outgoing and able to communicate well. If you are committing the following faux pas in your interview, an employer is likely to assume you will make similar mistakes while on the job. Make sure to steer clear of the phrases:

 

  1. “I don’t like my job.”

Bad mouthing an employer or job will make you look unprofessional. If possible, try to maintain a positive attitude and avoid discussing situations where you may sound negative during your interview.

  1. “I can’t think of a weakness.”

Not being able to list a weakness when asked can come across as boastful. No one is perfect; and your employer needs to know how your strengths and weaknesses will fit with their team.

  1. “%$*@!”

Swear words should not be used when applying for a job…no exceptions.

  1. “I don’t have any questions.”

Not having any questions for your interviewer can rub them the wrong way. When an employer asks all of the questions and you have none in response it can look as if you don’t really want the job.

  1. “What position is this for?”

Make sure you have researched the company or property you are interviewing with, as well as the position, before your interview. If you have any uncertainty about which position you are applying for, it will be difficult to convey that you are right for the job.

  1. “Sorry, I am so nervous!”

Most people are nervous when they walk into interview, and your employer knows this. If you are stumbling for the right word or don’t know what to say, don’t use nervousness as an excuse; instead, take a breath and start again with confidence.

  1. “How much time do I get off?”

An employer will probably mention how many vacation and sick days you get, which means that you don’t need to bring it up first. Asking this question during an interview can give the impression that you are already looking for ways to slack.

Apartment jobs are competitive enough as is—don’t give yourself a disadvantage by letting one of these phrases slip during an interview. Not all candidates are aware of how these phrases can rub employers the wrong way; but making sure that you don’t say them will get you one step closer to landing the job.

Looking for an apartment job? Submit your resume for open positions in Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.

Posted in Career Advice | Tagged , , , , , , , , |

How to Find a Job While You Are Still Employed

Posted on June 8, 2014 by Hire Priority

How to Find a Job While You Are Still Employed

Job-hunting while still employed gives you a chance to explore new opportunities while keeping a steady paycheck. In fact, a high number (73%) of the workforce keeps their current job while searching for their next.

But, if you are caught applying for a new job at your present position your plans could backfire. You don’t want to leave a job you have worked hard at under sketchy circumstances, or to be let go because your employer has discovered your plan to leave.

To avoid job-hunting disaster while still employed, don’t fall into the following traps:

 1. Don’t Job Search While at Work

Any job searching you do, should be on your own time. If you send emails, faxes, or make phone calls from work there is a very high chance of getting caught—no matter how sneaky you are.

2. Don’t Change Your Attitude

It’s easy to let your motivation slip when you know you will be moving on to a new job soon. But, letting a lack of motivation effect your performance at work can come back to bite you. If your job search for a new apartment job doesn’t work out you won’t want your employer to think less of you.

3. Don’t Tell Anyone at Work

Word tends to get out when someone is looking to leave their job, so it’s best not to tell anyone. 

4. Don’t List Your Present Employer As a Reference

This could lead to an awkward phone call…You don’t want your boss finding out you’re leaving your job before you have the chance to tell him/her.

5. Don’t Schedule Interviews During Work Hours

It’s best to secure interviews for times when you’re not on the clock, but if an employer has to schedule you during work hours, see if you can take a vacation or personal day. If possible, scheduling interviews during your lunch hour would also be an effective way to move your job search process along without taking time off.

 

Follow these tips to apartment job search under the radar while keeping your current job secure. Our last tip: if you do get caught come clean to your employer about your intentions. Lying or postponing the situation will only make things worse.

Posted in Career Advice | Tagged , , , , , |

7 Hiring Secrets Employers Won’t Tell You

Posted on May 30, 2014 by Hire Priority

7 Hiring Secrets Employers Won’t Tell You

 

In Texas’ big cities, Houston and Austin in particular, there is a high demand and high number of candidates for apartment jobs. Now more than ever, employers must sift through large numbers of applicants as quickly as possible.

 For job seekers, this means that first impressions are crucial.  If you only have a few seconds to capture an employer’s attention, then you can’t get caught making any mistakes that will raise a red flag.

Often, you may not know that you are committing these mistakes that are so obvious to an employer—and they won’t let you know that you’re doing them either. Here 7 mistakes a recruiting employer wont’ tell you that you’re making:

1.    Employers spend 5-10 seconds looking at each resume

5-10 seconds to scan a resume may not seem like a long time; however, it is usually enough determine if a candidate has the required skills and experience to excel at a particular apartment job. Make the most of these seconds by creating a resume that is error-free and clearly states your previous job titles and dates of employment.

2.    Your resume is too long

No matter how qualified you are for a position, if your resume is too long it is easy for your qualifications to be lost on an employer. Less is more in this case: make sure you include relevant experience and job descriptions, but keep it within 1-2 pages.

3.    Submitting a picture with your resume can look unprofessional

This is more of an unwritten rule in the recruiting world. Unless an employer specifically requests a headshot, there’s no need to submit one.

4.    Your cover letter wasn’t competitive

You may feel satisfied that you found a solid online template and plugged your cover letter into it; but this is not likely to impress an employer. Most cover letters look the same, and if yours doesn’t stand out in appearance or content, then it’s going to be hard to make your first impression count.

5.    You said too much in your interview

Everyone gets a little nervous when they step into a job interview; and sometimes the result is that you may talk more than you should. Take a breath, relax, and let your interviewer lead.

6.    Your appearance is not professional

Because first impressions are so important while job hunting, your attire should be top-notch professional. Appearing disheveled, mismatched, or too casual will all raise red flags to a potential employer, and could potentially ruin your chances for an apartment job.

7.    Sincerity matters 

Last but not least, employers can pick up if you are not sincere. Whether you tell a white lie in your interview or are not genuinely interested in a job—employers can usually pick up on a lack of sincerity. On the other hand, if you are sincere in the job-hunting process it can go a long way.

 

Now that we’ve given away some of employers’ biggest recruiting secrets, don’t forget to remember them while you’re applying for your next job!

Posted in Career Advice, Career Blog Categories | Tagged , , , , , , , , |

Does Your Job Search Seem Never-Ending?

Posted on May 1, 2014 by James G. Lenhardt, CPC, CTS

Never-Ending Job Search? Maybe You’re Making These Mistakes

 

Drawn-out job searches take a heavy toll, both emotionally and financially. The median time it takes to find a job today is 16.3 weeks, which is relatively high compared to a decade ago. What’s more, if you are unemployed for more than 6 months, studies have shown that employers are much less likely to consider your resume.

If your job search feels like it’s never ending, perhaps you are making one of these 3 common mistakes. Here’s what not to do and how to bring your job searching days to an end:

 

Mistake #1: You Don’t Know What You Want

Some applicants approach the job search process by applying to a wide range of jobs all at once, hoping that they will get lucky with one. This idea usually backfires, with the applicant not getting any responses.

If you know exactly what kind of job you want, you can spend your time becoming the perfect candidate for the position. For example, if you decide you want an apartment job, narrow down what part of town, what size property, and what kind of environment you want to work in. Once you know exactly what type of apartment job you want, hone your resume and skills to become what that position requires.

Not sure what industry you want to work in? Check out this handy guide on finding your dream job from Careerealism.

 

Mistake #2: You Aren’t Changing Your Strategy

If your job search is dragging on but you aren’t seeing the results you’d like, then it’s time to alter your strategy. Try changing up these tactics:

  • Write a new resume from scratch
  • Deliver your resume in person if you’ve only emailed it
  • Take a training course to learn new skills for your resume
  • If you don’t have a skills section on your resume, add one
  • If you don’t have a good cover letter, write one
  • If you do have a cover letter, give it makeover
  • Follow up with employers by emailing or calling to make sure they’ve received your resume

 

 
Mistake #3: You Aren’t Asking for Help

Networking is one of the most effective ways to find a new job; but you will never find a new job through your network if you don’t ask them. Family, friends, and social media are all good places to start letting people know that you are job searching. If you haven’t already, pick up the phone, send a few emails, or post a status on Facebook asking for some help.

 

The conclusion: Job searching for weeks or months can be a drag, but don’t let it warp your perspective. You will find a job eventually, and it’s okay to take a step back now to re-evaluate your strategy.

Now that you know the mistakes not to make, here’s what to do instead:

1.)   Figure out what you want from your job search

2.)   Change what isn’t working in your job search to reach your goals

3.)   Ask for help from your personal & professional networks

With today’s average job search times being so long, don’t stretch out the process more than it needs to be by making the above mistakes. If you aren’t seeing the results you would like from your job search, now is the time to shift your strategy.

Ask Hire Priority for Help! Submit your resume for a job placement or free resume consultation here and one of our offices in Houston, Austin, or San Antonio will contact you.

 

Posted in Career Advice | Tagged , , , , , , , , , |