What We're Thinking About Lately...

Details: Written by Alexa Jackson; Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...; Created: 14 September 2020

Illinois currently has an Eviction Moratorium in place, but it is set to expire on September 19th. It is likely that the IL Governor will extend the Moratorium until the end of the year. However, if he does not, then the CDC Eviction Moratorium Order will take its place.

Under this Order, tenants must send a declaration stating…

The individual has made their best efforts to obtain government assistance for rent/housing.
The individual either expects to earn no more that $99,000/year for the 2020 calendar year, or was not required to report any income in 2019 to the IRS, or received a stimulus check pursuant to Section 2201 of the CARES act.
The individual is unable to pay full rent/housing payments due to substantial loss of household income or compensable work hours, a lay-off, or extraordinary out-of-pocket medical expenses.
The individual is making their best efforts to make timely partial payments.
Eviction would likely render the individual homeless.

This Order does not apply to tenants who engage in criminal activity, threaten the health/safety of others, violate building codes or health ordinances, or violate other contractual obligations outside of the timely payment of rent/housing payments.

The eviction moratorium affects condo owner investors who rent out their units and condo associations addressing delinquent accounts via a forcible (eviction) lawsuit.

Details: Written by Alexa Jackson; Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...; Created: 08 September 2020

Amidst coronavirus, board members and property managers have begun conducting virtual meetings.

While the switch from in-person to virtual meetings requires some adjustments, the accessibility, affordability, and convenience are hard to overlook.

Benefits of virtual meetings include…

Accessibility. The cost of video conferencing software, such as Zoom or Skype, is low. Additionally, board members will likely already own a smartphone or computer that will allow them to access the applications.
Participation. Since virtual meetings don’t require attendees to be in the same place, seasonal owners, owners traveling out of state, and owners with tight schedules can all still participate.
Convenience. Virtual meetings are easy to schedule and sending out calendar invites prevents the need to print fliers or post signs. Screen sharing options are also convenient for sharing documents, agendas, etc. without needing to print materials.
Structure. Virtual meetings can be held in the same way that in-person meetings would be, and follow the same rules, ethics, and customs.

Learn more about the benefits of virtual meetings, here.

You can also check out KSN’s podcast episode on virtual meetings with KSN attorney, Janelle Dixon, here.

Details: Written by Alexa Jackson; Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...; Created: 01 September 2020

Governor JB Pritzker extended Illinois’ moratorium on residential evictions for another 30 days, until at least September 21st.

Eviction lawsuits cannot be initiated against any condo owners for non-payment of assessments until the moratorium expires. Pending (previously filed) lawsuits are also on hold until at least September 21st.

During this time, however…

Commercial evictions can still be carried out.
Evictions can be filed for tenants that poses direct health and safety threats to other tenants or immediate and severe risks to the property.
5, 10, and 30 day, or non-renewal notices, can be served to tenants. Chicago properties need to follow requirements for the non-payment of rent under the new ordinance.

Read more, here.

Details: Written by Alexa Jackson; Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...; Created: 23 August 2020

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has established a crisis assistance program in light of COVID-19 to help Illinois homeowners secure their housing.

Emergency Mortgage Assistance (EMA) provides a direct, one-time payment to mortgage holders for homeowners at less than 125% medium income who cannot cover mortgage payments as a result of coronavirus. The portal will be accepting applications from August 24 - September 4, 2020.

Learn more, here.

Details: Written by Alexa Jackson; Category: What We're Thinking About Lately...; Created: 18 August 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic will lead to a rise in delinquencies. The question remains - how bad will it get and how can boards soften the blow?

While restrictions have begun to lift, financial troubles haven’t for the millions who have found themselves unemployed.

While it is unclear how bad it will be, there have been comparisons made to the Great Recession, which stymied community associations nearly a decade ago and dried up associations.

Professionals say the issue of collections is on the front burner, but a variety of strategies could help associations weather the storm.

Every association should have a collections policy to serve as a roadmap for dealing with delinquencies. The board should apply the policy evenly to all residents, however, they should leave wiggle room for flexibility depending on an owner’s circumstances.
Communities must continually educate owners about the importance of assessments because community associations with high delinquency rates may have trouble getting bank loans of qualifying for Federal Housing Administration insurance.
When delinquencies do happen, reach out and invite owners to discuss possible solutions with board representatives.
Keep in mind that, to protect homeowners and renters during the economic upheaval, some governors have used their emergency powers to issue temporary moratoriums on evictions and foreclosures. Representatives of the community association industry worried that this type of measure could end up including assessments.
Running collections through a dedicated department rather than individual managers can help stabilize finances.

Learn more, here.