Rent During Covid (renters, big house, unemployment)

[RalphH]

Curious to hear from both landlords and tenants how things are going with paying rent during Covid?

Reductions with pay back options later when things get back to normal?

Pulling funds from Security Deposits with promises to replenish later?

[raytodd]

renters getting a break is not fair to those who still have bills. Why should landlord pay for utilities if tenant is not paying.

[RalphH]

Originally Posted by raytodd

renters getting a break is not fair to those who still have bills. Why should landlord pay for utilities if tenant is not paying.

I agree...

[raytodd]

and what happens if there is damage. Then there is no security for the landlord. Using the security deposit for rent should not be allowed. At the same time, there should be some considerations but the reality is it is the fault of the government's slow paying of unemployment that now hurts the landlords.

[RalphH]

Originally Posted by raytodd

and what happens if there is damage. Then there is no security for the landlord. Using the security deposit for rent should not be allowed. At the same time, there should be some considerations but the reality is it is the fault of the government's slow paying of unemployment that now hurts the landlords.

And since the Gov now put forth a directive that tenants can now direct landlords to use security deposit as rent, am I as a landlord allowed to deny that request?

[Kthnry]

Originally Posted by raytodd

renters getting a break is not fair to those who still have bills. Why should landlord pay for utilities if tenant is not paying.

At least in my state (NJ), because you're required to by law. You can't cut off utilities for nonpayment of rent.

[raytodd]

I have no idea but there was an article on this issue in nj.com a few weeks saying what the Gov did would be challenged.

[raytodd]

Originally Posted by Kthnry

At least in my state (NJ), because you're required to by law. You can't cut off utilities for nonpayment of rent.

Of course that is not the goal. But if the lights and water are $50 a month should the landlord just be responsible to let tenants live rent free.

[Kthnry]

Originally Posted by raytodd

Of course that is not the goal. But if the lights and water are $50 a month should the landlord just be responsible to let tenants live rent free.

Shouldn't the rental unit have a separate electric meter so the tenants can have their own account? Why is it the landlord's problem? And does the tenant really use that much water per month? My water bills are about $50 a quarter.

[vision33r]

It means those homes are not rented out as separate units. PSEG would not go out to install a separate meter unless the property is legally multi-unit. One of those big house that is being divided up to 2 or 3 units illegally.