We are a community. We need each other to get through this.
As of October 1st we have 22,389 total confirmed cases, of which 18,508 have recovered in South Dakota.
It is time to reopen your offices and amenities. See Re-Open article for ideas on how to.
NAA Best Practices for Transitioning Employees Back into the Workplace.
Great resource from the CDC with various flyers/signs, PPE equipment - how and when to wear it.
Summary and analysis of Federal CARES Act Eviction Moratorium.
Click here to read note from Senator Thune on Coronavirus Relief for Small Businesses
Statement from the National Apartment Association Concerning COVID-19 and Rent
The following is a statement from National Apartment Association (NAA) President and CEO Robert Pinnegar, CAE released on March 23:
The National Apartment Association and its more than 150 state and local affiliates, encompassing over 82,000 members and representing more than 10 million apartment homes, encourage all residents who are in financial distress to proactively reach out to work with their community managers prior to April 1. Many of our rental housing professionals already have individual plans in place to work with their residents in this unprecedented crisis. There is no “one approach fits all.” The best strategy, and NAA’s recommendation, is for owners, managers and residents to partner together to find the optimal solution. Providing a secure home for all of our residents is our primary goal.
There are many resources on the NAA website: https://www.naahq.org/news-publications/guidance-dealing-coronavirus
SDMHA is working deligently to keep you informed with changes, including forms, policies, and procedures during this time. Refer back to this article often.
Our members range from 1 unit to 4,000 plus. And we can all benefit from each others ideas. Let's work together!
SD Dept of Health website: https://doh.sd.gov/news/Coronavirus.aspx
FORMS:
(these are meant as ideas and can be modified to your specific needs)
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Resident Flyer - how to protect themselves
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New Safety Protocol - for staff, suppliers & Vendors
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Letter to Resident/Tenant detailing the new protocol.
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Letter to Resident with expectations and assistance options
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Rent Deferment Letter to Residents/Tenants
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Request of Funds from One Sioux Falls Fund - add your logo and information
- Video on Maintenance Concerns
- Best Practices for Resident Exposure to COVID-19 and video
POLICIES:
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Possible response to tenants wanting to break their lease:Good Afternoon,We understand that the cancellations and shutdowns in connection with COVID-19 have created new burdens for our residents. Please understand that our company has not escaped without the consequences either. At this time, neither the government nor our lenders have enacted any mortgage payment relief.As a result, we are unable to change our policy on allowing residents to terminate their leases without further obligation. In the event that circumstances change, we may revisit that decision. Until that time, it is our expectation that our residents will honor their contracts, just as we are being required to honor ours.If you choose to break your lease before you move out date. You will be required to give us a 30-day notice, pay liquidated damages in the amount of 1 months rent and forfeit your security deposit.Please do not hesitate to contact us with further questions
Click to read message from the National MultiFamily Housing Council (MNHC): Apartment Industry Committed to Supporting Residents Impacted by COVID-19. They are recommending the following: halt evictions for 90 days; avoid rent increases for 90 days; create payment plans; waive late fees; and others.
ONLINE APPLICATIONS AND ELECTRONIC LEASE:
Western Reporting is offering their online application and electronic lease generation service, Quick Lease Pro, to SDMHA members at a reduced activation fee which includes free online personalized training.
This is a great service, if you do not already have it, during this time of social distancing. For more information, click here. To get started contact: Linda Barsch, Compliance Officer: Direct Phone: 801-417-0440 or Text to Email: 385-351-4893.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR RESIDENTS:
- Aberdeen
- Black Hills
- Brookings
- Sioux Falls
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Energy Assistance Program: Email: lieapapp@state.sd.us Phone: 800-233-8503 press 0 and then extension 4131
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Statewide: Encourage your tenants to call the 211 help line or visit their website: https://www.helplinecenter.org/
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ONE SIOUX FALLS FUND: Minnehaha, Lincoln, McCook and Turner One Sioux Falls is for residents to avoid evictions and financial hardships if they are unable to work due to the COVID-19. FUNDS NO LONGER AVAILABLE.
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State of South Dakota COVID-19 Reemployment Assistance: https://dlr.sd.gov/ra/covid_19_ra_eligibility.aspx. A claim needs to be filed online at raclaims.sd.gov or by phone at 605.626.3179.
- Sioux Falls Area Community Foundation has provided a fund to help tenants in need of financial assistance to avoid eviction. https://doh.sd.gov/news/Coronavirus.aspx
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Minnehaha/Lincoln County Human Services: https://www.minnehahacounty.org/dept/hs/hs.php. EMAIL: humanservices@minnehahacounty.org. PHONE: 605-367-4217
- Dept. of Social Services: www.dss.sd.gov. Economic Assistance PHONE: 367-5444 extension 1000888
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Tax Deadline: Both the filing and tax payments have now been deferred until July 15, 2020.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES:
The US Chamber of Commerce has a great tool in navigating through these resources: https://www.uschamber.com/report/covid-19-emergency-loans-small-business-guide
- For Business Owners: Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act. For business owners negatively impacted by COVID-19. Affected small businesses and nonprofits need to download, complete, and submit this SBA EIDL Worksheet and Instructions to expedite activation of the Economic Impact Loan Disaster program. Complete details at: https://news.sd.gov/newsitem.aspx?id=26516
- Rapid City will be rolling out another tool for you and the Rapid City business community: The Elevate Rapid City Emergency Bridge Loan Program. This fund will have up to $750,000 of capital available to Rapid City area businesses to help them bridge the gap until the SBA comes in with its Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL) for small businesses.
- Governor Noem's Small Business Relief Fund, now available to SD businesses that need assistance.
- Further SBA resources can be found here and on SBA's websites: www.SBA.gov/coronavirus and www.SBA.gov/disaster.
- Tax Deadline: filing date is now deferred until July 15, 2020.
- Families First Coronavirus Response Act (Act): what does it mean for employers
FANNIE MAE & FREDDIE MAC FUNDING
FHFA announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will offer multifamily owners mortgage forbearance with the condition to suspend all eviction for renters unable to pay rent due to the coronavirus. For complete details, click on links below:
Fannie: https://www.fanniemae.com/portal/media/corporate-news/2020/renters-covid-19-multifamily-7002.html