How Did COVID Change Landlord-Tenant Laws

Published on: 24 September 2021 Last Updated on: 13 January 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic did a number on every industry across the globe. Even the real estate sector, well known for its relative stability, was not immune to its effects. In some instances, the battle was between lives and livelihood as many tenants lost their jobs. And with it, the ability to pay their bills, including their rent. These unfortunate circumstances necessitated changes to the usual landlord-tenant laws practically overnight.

Due to these changes, landlords have had to suspend their home renovation plans to fully grasp these new laws and avoid legal suits. Read on for an overview of how exactly COVID changed landlord-tenant rules.

Rent suspension

One of the most impactful changes to the landlord-tenant laws is rent suspensions. In the heat of the pandemic, the government was forced to suspend rent collection in specific locations and for particular demographics, as the lockdown dealt many citizens a heavy financial blow. Of course, this decision pushed most of the weight onto the landlords who could not rely on getting their regular passive income.

But in August 2020, the external control of rent was partially lifted, allowing landlords to charge full rent and increase it. However, this comes with the condition that COVID-19 has not heavily impacted your tenants. So, for the most part, limits on rent increases are still in place.

Rent arrears

Rent arrears refers to the unpaid rent a tenant owes their landlord. Under normal circumstances, property owners reserve the right to evict an occupant who doesn’t comply with their payments, but such laws were suspended amid the pandemic. Policies such as the COVID-19 Tenant Relief Act of 2020 were set up to protect tenants from losing their homes.

Following the signing of that Act in February 2021, it became illegal for landlords in California to evict renters with longer than 12 months’ tenancy. So rather than issue eviction requests, landlords owed rent, or the tenants themselves need to seek relocation assistance payments from relief bodies.

Dispute resolutions

The sudden changes to landlord-tenant laws in the wake of the coronavirus make disputes inevitable. Despite the effort of government policies to protect both parties, there are still a lot of grey areas that leave room for conflict and require mediation.

However, to curb the spread of COVID-19, the suspension of the routine procedure has left people confused about where to bear their grievances. If you’re a landlord having trouble with your tenant, you may appeal at court where an adjudicator will deliberate over your case and try to help you reach an amicable decision.

If the mediator cannot help you get a consensus, you may take up the case to a hearing by a 3-person Tenancy Tribunal. Many of these adjudications and hearings take place over the phone or virtually, so you may not have to leave the safety of your house.

Protection for landlords

It’s clear to anyone that real estate policies often defer to the side of the tenant. But that doesn’t mean the law has left all landlords in the cold. After all, COVID-19 marked everyone, so there are laws to protect landlords from going bankrupt. Despite the policies pushing rent suspensions and eviction bans, the landlord can take steps to refute their tenant’s protection under these laws based on certain conditions.

You’ll have to go through the trouble of filing an eviction notice, which will receive approval if:

The tenant still owes rent as of August 2021

The tenant violated their landlord-tenant agreement.

The tenant did not seek relief assistance after you issued a rent arrears warning notice.

The withholding of rent would cause the landlord undue financial hardship

How do Landlords protect themselves?

Familiarize yourself with the current laws

As a landlord, the best way to protect yourself from a lawsuit or other legal pitfalls is to familiarize yourself with the current landlord-tenant laws. Of course, keeping up with both national and state laws can be a challenging task. The effort could save you more trouble in the future. Alternatively, to err on the side of caution, you should contact an expert before taking any legal steps.

Seek external aid for your tenants

Most investors are in real estate for the money. Still, it’s essential to remember to be kind. Everyone is having a tough time because of COVID, and it’s more likely your tenant genuinely can’t meet up with the rent because of financial constraints rather than harboring their money out of malice. Extend a fig leaf by offering a more flexible payment scheme or helping them look for rent relief programs that can assist.

Seek external aid for yourself

Alternatively, you can also look out for your interests by seeking external aid for homeowners. Banks and other lending institutions are also offering handouts during this trying period in the way of waiving late fees or offering refinancing options for your mortgage. There are also a few tax breaks and deductions applicable to landlords to make up for the rent freezes and eviction moratoriums.

Keep your records

Since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issue to stop evictions expired in August 2021, there have been evictions in large numbers in many states. Despite this trend, policies and legal aids to protect tenants are still in place. So if you’re bent on removing an occupant from your property, ensure you have all written records of your correspondence with the tenant. These documents serve as proof you did your due diligence and may absolve you from a potential suit.

Conclusion

If you’re a landlord finding it hard to keep up with the recent changes to landlord-tenant laws, you’re not alone. Still, rather than remaining aloof, you could contact a professional who understands the rental market more than you do. Hiring an experienced property manager could be an excellent investment, as they can steer you away from hefty fines and lawsuits. They can also help maximize your rental property’s income as you weather through the effects of COVID.

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5 Types of Damages You Can Claim After a Car Accident

When you suffer through the ordeal of a car accident, you’re entitled to payouts for certain types of damages. Depending on whose fault the accident was, the damages you can claim might be limited. Consulting a good attorney will help you to understand what you can or can’t claim. The US legal system is one of the best in the world for victims of accidents, as it allows you to claim damages through traditional means and also civil cases if required. That means if you suffer because of another person, you have a very high chance of receiving a payout. Today we’re looking at 5 different types of damages you could claim after a car crash. 1. Medical Expenses: Medical expenses are the first thing to come to mind and the big area which most people are already aware of. After an accident, any medical care and treatment for you should be covered by the payout. One piece of advice - get the treatment before accepting a payout or ask the other side to pay for the treatment. Settling on a fixed figure before treatment leaves you vulnerable because you may require more treatment than expected, so your expenses could end up being higher than the settlement. This is why it is best to contact a car accident lawyer in New York that can help you manage your medical bills. They can work with the hospital authorities and the insurance company to ensure that your recovery process is as smooth as possible. If you are not in a position to walk or require complete bed rest, you can imagine how difficult it would be to keep running around and get all the paperwork in order. Taking help from an expert car accident lawyer can be the best option to aid in faster recovery. 2. Pain & Suffering: Pain & suffering is related to the injuries you receive as well as any mental or emotional pain/suffering. Medical expenses cover actual treatment but this area covers compensation for the time you’ve suffered or spent in pain. For example, experiencing the pain of broken bones for a couple of hours before receiving pain relief would classify as pain & suffering. 3. Loss of Income: If you need time off work, for recovery, or for court obligations, you’re entitled to lost wages for this time. Any other lost income, including self-employed income, can also be compensated. In the case of long-term injury, this area of damages can go as far as factoring in your lifetime earnings - especially if your family relies on it. There are also times when the unemployed can claim lost income on the basis of it harming your ability to work in the future. 4. Property Loss/Damage: Any valuables that are damaged or lost should also be compensated. This obviously includes your car but it can extend to other valuables as well, such as contents of the vehicle, items you had on your person, and even jewelry & clothing if it is lost or damaged during the accident. 5. Loss of Companionship: This one can vary from state to state, but generally, you can claim for loss of affection/companionship. Usually, you need to be married to apply for this. Though it could be possible for unmarried couples who can prove an ongoing long-term relationship in some states. Sometimes known as loss of consortium, this type of damage covers the loss of an intimate relationship. It can also apply to children if the accident has left a parent unable to show the same nurturing and affection given previously. What about Future Expenses? By now we all know the common types of damages you can claim after a car accident—medical expenses, pain, and suffering, loss of income, property loss, and loss of companionship—there's an important area missing! What about future medical expenses? Why Future Medical Expenses Matter After a severe accident, the healing process doesn't stop once the initial medical treatments are over. We are talking about long-term rehabilitation, follow-up surgeries, therapy, or even ongoing medication, which are often necessary. So, these costs can add up over time. Many victims fail to claim future medical expenses, leaving them financially burdened for years. How to Account for Future Medical Costs When negotiating your settlement or preparing for court, it's essential to factor in potential future medical treatments. This may require gathering medical expert testimony or thorough documentation from healthcare providers detailing your recovery outlook. Don’t settle too early! Without considering future costs, you may receive far less compensation than you truly need to cover your medical journey. Therefore, missing out on future medical expenses in your claim can be financially devastating. Whether you're working with an attorney or navigating the process alone, always account for the long-term impact of your injuries. How will your recovery look months or years from now, and are you prepared for those costs? Read Also: 7 Reasons Why Teenagers Pay Extra For Car Insurance 5 Safety Features In Your Maruti Car You Did Not Know About Best Therapies To Cure Pain And Discomfort

How To Protect Yourself Legally During An Accident With A UPS Truck

Online shopping is the norm today and has led to a surge in UPS truck drivers on the road to cope with the increased demand for deliveries. This increase, while bene ficial in saving buyers the hassle of going to physical stores to shop, can also lead to an increase in road accidents. After all, UPS trucks can also be involved in such accidents, as is the case with all other vehicles. A UPS truck accident can lead to minor to critical injuries due to being a bigger vehicle. When this happens, you’ll need to be aware of what to do next as you explore your legal options and ensure you get compensated for damages, including your pain and suffering. That said, below are the things you need to do to ensure you're legally protected following a crash with a UPS truck. Top 5 Ways To Protect Yourself Legally During An Accident With A UPS Truck 1. Get Immediate Medical Attention Regardless of how minor your injuries may seem after a UPS truck accident, seeking medical attention should be your priority. Doing so is crucial even when you don't feel as though you're in pain, especially since some injuries like concussions don't show signs immediately and stay dormant for weeks or even months. By seeking medical attention, a medical professional can assess your condition, conduct the necessary tests, and prevent your injuries from becoming much more severe, ensuring your recovery. Aside from securing your health and well-being, getting a medical examination also provides a record of the full extent of your injuries. You can use this as evidence in court in your fight to seek adequate compensation for the damages you sustained from the accident. 2. Take Pictures And Videos Of The Accident Scene And Your Injuries One of the best ways to prove the UPS truck was responsible for an accident and increase your chances of winning your case is to take photos of the accident scene. You can do this yourself if you haven't suffered serious injuries. Alternatively, you can request a bystander to take the pictures. When taking the photos, capture different angles of the accident scene well. This can help get a better idea of the extent of damage resulting from the incident. Also, it’d be best to capture the license plates of the vehicles involved. Pictures are great evidence, especially when dealing with a big corporation such as UPS. This evidence can go a long way in establishing what happened and proving your claims that they’re responsible for the incident. In addition, you should also take pictures of any injury suffered following your crash with the UPS truck. This step is highly recommended since cuts, bruises, and other injuries fade and heal over time. As such, doing so can help provide a clear idea of how severe the injuries were to help determine your compensation. 3. Contact A Legal Professional UPS is a huge corporation with thousands of drivers spread parts in the United States. This company maintains files on all its drivers and records transport routes to maintain smooth operation. They also provide all drivers with internal training materials and safety programs. But despite all this, UPS truck accidents still happen. If you're a victim, you must contact a personal injury lawyer. With a legal professional's guidance, you'll know your legal rights. This is vital because UPS truck accident claim cases often get complicated, so you’ll need proper guidance as you navigate the complex process of pursuing a case. A legal professional is also better suited to examine the case to determine your deserved compensation. 4. Call The Police To File A Report Another way to legally protect yourself after an accident with a UPS truck is to contact the police. They can help you file a traffic accident report and put it all on record. The report should present a clear record of certain crucial details, such as: The accident's location Date and time of the accident Photos of the destroyed vehicle The weather conditions outline whether it was sunny, foggy, or rainy Other details explaining what might have led to the accident, such as failure to use the turn signal As you file for a report and work with your lawyer, ensure all the facts about the road accident, be it your injuries or damage to your car, are factual. This can help strengthen your case and your chances of successfully getting your compensation. 5. Collect Documentation And Evidence Supporting Your Compensation Claim Whether you sustained minor or life-threatening injuries following an accident involving a UPS truck, you’re likely to spend money on medical bills to nurse you back to good health. In most cases, this will be a huge financial burden, increasing the need to win your case against the responsible party and seek compensation. But to stand a chance of winning, make sure to have compelling evidence to support your claims. To start, you can compile copies of your medical bills and expenses. The medical bills you'll need to pay during your hospital visits may include the following: Physician visits Inpatient care expenses Physical therapy Medical prescriptions and devices Scans and x-rays Surgeries If there's a need for more medical care in the future, also include the documentation. You can consult your physician and do your research to get an overview of how much this future treatment will cost. Aside from medical bills, you could also prepare a summary and proof of other economic damages or tangible losses you sustained following the accident. This includes lost wages due to accident-related injuries and property damages. You can get an accredited auto repair facility to examine the extent of your car's damages. Wrapping It Up It's not anyone's wish to get involved in a road accident, more so with a delivery vehicle bigger than your car. But in the unfortunate event you get involved in an accident with a UPS truck, knowing your next steps can be beneficial. This guide has outlined insights you need to know to help you deal with such an incident. Hopefully, you can be guided as you navigate the legal process of getting the compensation you deserve. Read Also: Steps to Filing a Car Accident Claim in Waukegan Legal Ways to Determining Fault for an Arizona Truck Accident Filing A Personal Injury Lawsuit In South Carolina: Here Are 7 Things You Should Know

An Introduction to Long-Term Disability Claims

If you suffer an injury or are diagnosed with a physical or mental illness that will prevent you from working, knowing what supports are available and which ones you are and aren’t entitled to can be confusing and stressful. Even if you or your employer have purchased an insurance plan that includes long-term disability coverage, filing a claim and receiving benefits is often easier said than done. An LTD lawyer is one of the first people you should speak to if you are disabled by chronic conditions, injuries, or illnesses. They know the publicly available programs and can point you in the right direction. But the real value they provide is by helping you receive the long-term disability benefits you are entitled to that insurance companies often deny unrepresented claimants. If you’ve never filed a claim before and are new to the world of injury benefits, here is some basic information you need to know: What is Long-Term Disability Insurance? Long-term disability insurance is coverage that can provide you with a portion of your income when you’re suffering from an illness or injury severe enough that you are unable to work for an extended period of time. These payments can help you cover your living and medical expenses. Some policies are meant to top up disability benefits available through public programs, such as Canada Pension Plan and the Ontario Disability Support Program. The insurance policy may require you to apply for these programs as well. What Injuries and Illnesses Does LTD Insurance Cover? Most long-term disability plans cover many severe illnesses and chronic conditions, but there may be a few that are excluded from your policy, so refer to it to ensure that your condition is covered. The policy will also tell you the eligibility requirements for LTD benefits. Generally speaking, your illness or injury must be severe enough that it prevents you from performing a substantial portion of your job to qualify for coverage. Examples of illnesses, injuries, and chronic conditions that long-term disability claims commonly cover include: Fibromyalgia Various types of arthritis Chronic fatigue syndrome Degenerative disc disease Bulging discs Adjustment disorder Major depressive disorder Anxiety disorders Crohn’s disease Diabetes Multiple sclerosis Cancer It’s important to note that the injury or illness does not have to be job-related for you to qualify for LTD benefits. How Long Does it Take To Start Receiving Benefits? Many insurance policies require you to be off work for a certain amount of time before you are eligible to receive benefits. This is often called the “qualifying” or “elimination” period and can range anywhere from 90 to 180 days. The exact amount of time is stated in your policy. To support yourself in the meantime, your insurance coverage may also include short-term disability benefits that you can access while you wait to be moved to the LTD plan. If it does not, you can apply for Employment Insurance sickness benefits that provide qualifying individuals with up to 15 weeks of benefits at 55% of their salary up to a maximum of $638 per week. How Much Does Someone Receive on LTD Benefits? If you’ve purchased your own private insurance policy, the amount you would receive was likely predetermined and will be stated in the policy. If you are part of an employer-sponsored group plan, benefits can cover anywhere between 50 to 80% of the salary you were earning before the disability - subject to any policy maximums. What do I do if My Claim is Denied? The first thing to remember is not to panic or get discouraged. Insurance companies commonly deny claims. If you didn’t consult a disability lawyer before applying, now is the time to do so. There are time limits to appeal the denial or file a lawsuit, so speak to a lawyer as quickly as possible. If you’re worried about how you will pay for a disability lawyer, many of them offer contingency fees. This means that if they don’t get you money from the insurance company, you don’t pay. Read Also: WHY ARE MORE THAN HALF OF SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY CLAIMS DENIED? 5 Things to Consider While Medicaid Planning – Keep This In Mind! Business Insurance Covering Tree Trimmers: Insurance Policies You Need To Know

How Did COVID Change Landlord-Tenant Laws

Rent suspension

Rent arrears

Dispute resolutions

Protection for landlords

How do Landlords protect themselves?