Collaborating on Rental Housing during COVID-19

In this time of stress and uncertainty we need each other more than ever. Below are some practical tips for helping each other overcome housing challenges during the evolving crisis.

 
 

COVID-19 Guidance for Lewiston Renters

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 may be affecting you and your family in many ways, including your ability to pay rent. It is important to communicate with your landlord to let them know what challenges you are facing and what kind of support you need.

If any of the following apply to you...

  • Recently lost your job, either permanently or temporarily
  • Had your work hours reduced or eliminated, even temporarily, because of COVID-19
  • Have been told to quarantine yourself because of COVID-19 (even if you have not tested positive)
 

...then consider the following steps:

  • You may be eligible for Unemployment Benefits due to new state rules issued March 17. Even if you are unsure, you should still apply either online here or by calling 1-800-593-7660.

If you receive housing assistance...

  • Through a rental voucher from Lewiston Housing Authority, you may be eligible for additional rental assistance. You do not need to make an appointment. Just fill out this online form.
  • Through Lewiston’s General Assistance office, call them to report a change in income: 207-513-3130.
  • Through FedCap, call them to report a change in income: 207-241-5902.

If none of these options work or apply to you:

  • If none of these options work and you are unable to pay full rent, contact your landlord to consider waiving or deferring a portion or all of your rent for the month, including late fees.
 

COVID-19 Guidance for Lewiston Property Owners

The recent outbreak of COVID-19 may be affecting your ability to operate your properties, and affecting the employment status or income of your tenants and therefore their ability to pay rent. 

How you can work with your creditors

  • Many lenders will let you suspend payments for a period of time with no penalties. The technical term is to “ask for forbearance.“
  • If you have loans from the City of Lewiston you may be eligible for forbearance. Contact Cathy Lekberg at clekberg@lewistonmaine.gov or 207-513-3000 x3234.
  • The City of Lewiston has extended the property tax deadline to June 1, 2020.
  • For other lenders, such as your mortgage company, you may want to request forbearance for a specific period of time, such as 90 days. In practical terms, this means you would not need to make your mortgage payments for 90 days; the lender would not penalize you, and the forbearance would not affect your credit rating. In many cases, this will simply extend your loan period by 90 days. Reach out directly to your lender for options.
  • If you do receive forbearance for 90 days, you can pass this financial flexibility on to tenants who may be struggling financially due to COVID-19.
 

How you can work with your tenant(s)

  • Reach out to all of your tenants and talk to them about how they are doing, what challenges they are anticipating, and what you can do to support them.
  • If COVID-19 has caused your tenant(s) to lose their job, work reduced hours, or be quarantined, they may be eligible for unemployment under new guidelines from the state of Maine. Encourage them to apply immediately either online here or by calling 1-800-593-7660
  • For tenants who seem unable to afford rent, or who are choosing between rent and other necessities, consider deferring, reducing, or waiving rent until new forms of income become available. Also consider waiving late fees and interest.
  • Consider pausing current eviction proceedings and not initiating new proceedings. Lewiston’s Mayor has called for a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures.

If your tenant receives housing assistance:

  • If your tenant receives Section 8 rental assistance and has had a change in income, they may be eligible for increased assistance. Encourage them to fill out this online form.
  • If your tenant receives housing assistance through Lewiston’s General Assistance office (207-513-3130) or Fedcap (207-241-5902), have your tenant call them to report a change in income.
  • If you have a GA voucher from the City of Lewiston to submit, you cannot drop it off in person. Instead you can place it in the City Payment drop box on the Park Street side of City Hall, or send it to Social Services by US Mail: 27 Pine Street, Lewiston, ME 04240.