Is there a form to use with tenants who are having trouble paying the rent due to COVID-19 issues?

Texas REALTORS® has created the COVID-19 Lease Payment Plan Agreement (TXR 2227). This form is intended to be used with tenants who are facing financial difficulties directly linked to COVID-19. This form enables the tenant and landlord temporary flexibility for paying rent and other sums.

Can residential tenants refuse to allow access to property due to fear of contracting COVID-19?

No. Subparagraph B of Paragraph 14 of the Residential Lease (TXR 2001) and Residential Lease for Multi-family Property Unit (TXR 2011) states that landlords or anyone authorized by landlords will first attempt to contact the tenant before accessing the property, but may enter the property at reasonable times without notice to make repairs or to show the property to prospective tenants or buyers, inspectors, fire marshals, lenders, appraisers, or insurance agents. Subparagraph C allows landlords to charge a fee if a tenant refuses access or fails to make the property accessible.

However, to ensure health and safety and to reduce property owners’ potential liability, landlords or property managers may want to screen those wishing to view the property for coronavirus exposure. If implementing a screening process, remember to adhere to fair housing guidelines, which dictate that landlords and property managers may not discriminate against anyone based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or disability. Property managers should also encourage property owners to speak to their own risk advisors or attorneys on these matters related to COVID-19.

Can a tenant request an accommodation to not allow viewings under the ADA and Fair Housing Act requirements if the tenant is a member of the community at higher risk of developing severe illness due to COVID-19 exposure?

Possibly. A previously diagnosed compromised immune system could be considered a disability for FHA purposes. A reasonable accommodation in the rules, practices, or services may be requested to afford the person equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling. A property owner must grant a tenant’s request for a reasonable accommodation unless the request is: 1) unduly burdensome, a fundamental alteration of the landlord’s program, or there is another accommodation that is just as reasonable; or 2) the tenant poses a direct threat to the health or safety of other residents or when the tenancy would result in substantial physical damage to the property of others. There may be other reasonable accommodations available to the tenant, such as screening a prospect for coronavirus exposure or implementing cleaning protocols after the prospect has viewed the property. Questions about a specific request should be directed to the property owner’s attorney.

As a property manager, what should I do if a tenant in a building I manage is diagnosed with COVID-19?

Under current laws and regulations, a tenant is not required to inform the landlord of an affirmative COVID-19 diagnosis. Property managers or landlords should consult the CDC website for recommendations to create written protocols and procedures that include how to deal with an outbreak and prevent the spread of the virus in the building, as well as recommended communications to tenants. If you are notified that a tenant has received a positive diagnosis, you should communicate with the tenant to ascertain what prevention measures that tenant is taking and whether additional communications to other tenants are necessary. Keep all communications confidential to make sure you are complying with your health-related confidentiality obligations (such as the ADA).

Can a residential tenant terminate an executed lease due to COVID-19?

No. The lease provides that unless otherwise provided by law, the tenant is not entitled to early termination due to voluntary or involuntary job or school transfer, changes in marital status, loss of employment, loss of co-tenants, changes in health, purchase of property, or death. No laws are currently in place that allow a tenant to terminate early due to COVID-19 related reasons. Tenants are encouraged to consult with an attorney if they want to proceed with terminating.

Have commercial evictions been put on hold statewide due to COVID-19?

No. However, the Texas Supreme Court and the Court of Appeals issued an order that allows all Texas courts to modify or suspend any and all deadlines and procedures for a period ending no later than 30 days after the governor’s state of disaster has been lifted. Therefore, the local orders issued at the city and county level may put holds on all evictions—residential and commercial. Texas REALTORS® advises its members to continue to monitor developments on evictions at the city and county level, encourage clients to review the applicable local orders for information regarding commercial evictions, and recommend clients contact their local court to determine if it is allowing filings at this time.

EVICTIONS

Have residential evictions been put on hold statewide due to COVID-19?

No. The original eviction moratorium, instituted on September 1, 2020 by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, was on August 26, 2021 declared unenforceable by the Supreme Court. However, local governments have taken action to limit evictions. Therefore, it is important for property managers to continue to monitor actions taken by cities and counties relating to evictions.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

How can I access the Texas Rent Relief Program?

The Texas Rent Relief Program can help renters with past due, current, and up to 3 months of expected rent costs, expected utility, and home energy expenses starting as far back as March 13, 2020. The program has $1.3 billion to assist with a tenant’s unpaid expenses related to housing. The program began accepting application on February 15 and will continue to do so until the funds run out.

To access the funds, both landlords and tenants can go texasrentrelief.com to create an account and submit their application. Answers to frequently asked questions are available, too. If you need assistance completing an application, you can call 833-989-7368.

How can I find other sources of rental assistance?

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) created a Rental Assistance Finder. The online tool assists renters and landlords impacted by the pandemic to find and apply for state and local programs distributing payment for rent, utilities, and other expenses.

What is the Texas Eviction Diversion Program?

The Texas Supreme Court on September 25 established the Texas Eviction Diversion Program with funding allocated by Gov. Greg Abbott. The voluntary program permits eligible landlords and tenants to resolve issues raised in an eviction case by providing up to six months of rental assistance for eligible tenants who are behind on their rent due to the COVID-19 pandemic. If eligibility requirements are met, assistance can be used to pay the full contracted rent that is past due (up to five months), and the remainder may be used to pay for subsequent months of assistance (up to a total of six months) and the eviction case will be dismissed.

The Texas Supreme Court now requires a sworn original, amended, or supplemental eviction petition to state that the landlord has reviewed the information about the Texas Eviction Diversion Program. Also, the eviction citation given to the tenant by the court must include the following:

  • “You may be able to stop your eviction if you and your landlord agree to participate in the Texas Eviction Diversion Program. At your trial, the court will tell you about the program and ask if you are interested in participating. Find out more about the program in the attached brochure, ‘State of Texas Eviction Diversion Program,’ and at www.txcourts.gov/eviction-diversion.”
  • A copy of the informational brochure “State of Texas Eviction Diversion Program,” prepared by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.

If the eviction goes to trial, the judge must discuss the Texas Eviction Diversion Program with the landlord and tenant and ask whether the landlord and tenant are interested in the program. If both the landlord and tenant indicate they are interested in the program, the judge is required to delay the proceedings for 60 days, make the records and information on the eviction case confidential, and inform the landlord and tenant about the reinstatement procedure.

At any time during the 60-day abatement period, the landlord can file a motion to reinstate the eviction case with the judge. The motion must be served on the tenant. The judge is then required to reinstate the eviction case, set it for trial within 21 days, inform the parties how to proceed, and make the records and information non-confidential. If the landlord does not file and serve a motion to reinstate an action abated within the 60-day abatement period, the judge must dismiss the action, including any claims that do not involve the nonpayment of rent, with prejudice. All court records, files, and information—including information stored by electronic means—relating to the dismissed eviction action must remain confidential.

The Texas Eviction Diversion Program and its court procedures were effective October 12, 2020, for Bee, Bexar, Brazos, Chambers, Deaf Smith, El Paso, Erath, Fannin, Grayson, Harris, Jim Wells, Kleberg, Montgomery, Palo Pinto, Parker, Potter, Randall, San Patricio, and Wise counties. As of February 1, 2021, the program was also effective in Bell, Cameron, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Fort Bend, Galveston, Hidalgo, Lubbock, Nueces, Taylor, Tom Green, Victoria, and Webb counties. It became effective in all counties February 15, 2021.  The court order establishing the program and its requirements expires October 1, 2021, unless extended by the chief justice of the Texas Supreme Court.

Note: The order does not prohibit the landlord from filing an action for eviction based on future events or acts that are an independent basis for eviction.

What are the Texas Eviction Diversion Program eligibility requirements?

To be eligible for the eviction diversion pilot program, landlords must meet the following criteria:

  • Assistance for rent no older than April 2020
  • Rent for the household assisted may not exceed the TDHCA maximum limits established per ZIP code
  • Must have a bank account and accept direct deposit
  • Units that are already receiving project-based assistance or are public housing units are ineligible
  • Units that are owned by a unit of government may be ineligible.

To be eligible for the eviction diversion pilot program, tenants must meet the following criteria: 

  • Household income at or below 200% of poverty
  • Household has been financially affected by COVID-19 pandemic
  • Tenants are ineligible if they are receiving tenant-based voucher assistance, are in a unit receiving project-based assistance, or are in public housing.

The Texas Legal Services Center has established a toll-free hotline to assist individuals seeking legal assistance at 855-270-7655. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs has established a website and a toll-free hotline to provide information at 800-525-0657 or 512-475-3800 (pick option 4).