Coronavirus And Renting

4/20/2020 (Permalink)

If you are a renter in Fairfield County, you may be unsure of what your future holds.  This could be due to a loss of income, availability of new rentals, or hesitancy to see new places.  Read below to learn more about your options in the coming weeks.

How can I find out if my landlord is addressing health issues?

Some complexes have closed their offices to reduce the spread of COVID-19, but are available by telephone, email, or their online portal. Check if there are flyers or messages posted around your leasing office, or if  there’s an emergency number or additional contact information posted anywhere. Leasing management offices may have reduced in-person support and/or are only responding to emergency cases, so their response may be limited or delayed.

 What if one of my neighbors has contracted COVID-19?

Property management does not have to share an active COVID-19 diagnosis with other renters due to privacy rules and regulations.  You should take action to protect yourself, such as practicing social distancing and frequently washing your hands. 

I have COVID-19. Do I need to tell my landlord?

Due to the same set of rules, you are not obligated to inform your landlord about a positive COVID-19 diagnosis. You can let them know so that they can adequately protect other residents and staff.

Can I be evicted?

No. According to CT.gov, “All landlords are prohibited from issuing a notice to quit or beginning eviction proceedings before July 1, 2020, except for serious nuisance, such as physically harming another tenant or the landlord.”

What if I can’t pay my rent?

In the state of CT, landlords are required to give an extended grace period, up to 60 days in some cases.