Relief Programs for DPM Owners
COVID FAQ
As of May 19, 2021
1. Is rent still due during the COVID-19 crisis?
- Yes, rent is still due and if not paid the amount will continue to accrue. There are other modifications to the normal procedures, see other FAQs.
2. Are there any other impacts on tenancies as a result of the governor’s proclamations?
- Landlords, owners, and managers are prohibited from treating unpaid rent or other charges as enforceable debt and engaging in collection actions, including calling, billing, or invoicing tenants regarding rent, withholding any portion of a security deposit, reporting to credit bureaus, and other means of collecting or reporting the debt. This does not include “seeking to engage in reasonable communications with tenants to explore re-payment plans.”
- Landlords, owners, and managers cannot increase or threaten to increase rent on all properties (including commercial properties) until at least June 30, 2021, though this may be extended at the governor’s discretion. This appears to include rent increases in process, so any rent increases that were scheduled to take place before April 1, 2021 will be delayed until then.
3. Are evictions and late fees being processed at this time and if not, how long are they on hold for?
- Landlords, owners, and managers cannot seek, enforce, or threaten to enforce judicial eviction orders except in order to personally occupy the premises as a primary residence, sell the property, or to remove a tenant who is a significant and immediate risk to the health, safety, or property of others. Law enforcement cannot enforce an eviction order absent a court finding that one of these justifications exist.
- Landlords, owners, and managers cannot assess late charges on non-payments or late-payments of rent. This is retroactive to February 29, 2020.
4. Are vacant properties or units allowed to be filled with tenants?
- Yes, Landlords are allowed under the new proclamation to market and conduct tours as long as social distancing measures are put into place so that individuals can still obtain housing while minimizing the risk of exposure. DPM will be only allowing a maximum of two non-tenant people per property at a time and anyone will need to remain 6 feet apart. Property turnover and repairs for move in are also allowed while maintenance personnel should also maintain the 6 foot distance.
5. Where to get the most up to date information?
- We recommend reviewing the Governor’s News Releases for the most up-to-date information on modifications to tenancies. For more general information on dealing with COVID-19, we recommend guidance by the King County Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control.
6. When are these restrictions set to expire?
- They are currently set to expire on June 30, 2021. We will be monitoring the situation closely to see if that is shortened or extended.
7. Do I still have to pay utilities during the pandemic?
- Utility payments are still due and will continue to accrue. May utility companies are temporarily holding on any disconnections for nonpayment. However, utility companies statewide have also been successful at entering into reasonable payment arrangements with those struggling to pay as a result of the pandemic.
Relief Programs for DPM Owners
- Washington State’s Coronavirus Response – The relevant program and statistics for COVID 19 related inquiries provided by the State Government.
- WA Tenancy Preservation Program – The Tenancy Prevention Program benefits both landlord and tenant by maintaining the tenancy.
- White House Coronavirus Site – The official site of the US government’s guideline regarding the coronavirus.
- CDC Coronavirus Site – The official site of the CDC dedicated to the coronavirus.
- World Health Organization (WHO) Coronavirus site – The official site of the WHO dedicated to the coronavirus.
- Washington State’s Coronavirus Response – The relevant program and statistics for COVID 19 related inquiries provided by the State Government.
- Washington State’s Coronavirus information site – For the latest information and resources about Coronavirus in Washington.
- Washington State’s Department of Health – The official website for the State’s Department of Health.
- SBA Forgivable Loan – The Small Business Administration has announced a massive $349 billion forgivable loan program that is intended to help businesses all across the country to rehire or retain workers during the COVID-19 crisis.
- SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans Now Available in Some Washington Counties – Small businesses in 32 Washington counties, six Oregon counties, and three Idaho counties are now eligible to apply for low‑interest SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) to offset economic losses because of reduced revenues caused by the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
- WA Business Relief During COVID-19 Pandemic – The State of Washington offers several relief programs for businesses affected by the COVID 19 pandemic.
- Paid Leave for Employers in Washington – Paid Family and Medical Leave is a new benefit for almost everyone working in Washington. It provides paid time off when workers need it most, like to recover from a serious illness, take care of a new baby or spend time with a family member
- Economic Impact Payment – As part of this stimulus package, people making less than $75,000 per year will be eligible to receive that $1200 payment. Couples who file their taxes jointly who make less than $150,000 combined will also be eligible. For eligible families, they will also receive an additional $500 per eligible child.
- Business Stabilization Fund – To mitigate barriers to capital for Seattle’s most vulnerable businesses, the City of Seattle is committing approximately $2.5 million in Federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to the Small Business Stabilization Fund. The Small Business Stabilization Fund is an emergency fund that provides working capital grants in amounts up to $10,000 to qualifying small businesses.
- Amazon’s Neighborhood Small Business Relief Fund – This fund is intended to help support neighborhood small businesses in Seattle (South Lake Union and Regrade neighborhoods) and Bellevue.
- Seattle’s Deferred Utility Payment Plans – Customers of SPU and SPL are encouraged to set up payment plans or to apply for the Utility Discount Program (UDP)
- First Down Funding business loans – Alternative financing up to $300K with highly competitive rates.
- Seattle Hospitality Emergency Fund – Seattle hospitality workers currently have the ability to apply for full or partial unemployment, and our city is working to pass a ban on evictions during this time.
- Small Loans for Business Amid Coronavirus – FAQ for the requirements in applying for the small business loan under the aid bill.