Dynamic List of Available Resources for HAR Members Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic (Updated June 23, 2020 at 10:55 a.m.)
The Texas Supreme Court has ordered that evictions and debt collection proceedings can resume, starting Tuesday, May 19. Orders authorizing evictions are allowed starting May 26. Please check your local county for local orders regarding evictions and debt collections. Certain tenants may be covered through August 23 under federal moratorium protections.
On March 27, 2020, Congress passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The CARES Act benefits Housing, Credit Reporting & Student Loans, Small Business Administration Provisions, Infrastructure, Tax, Unemployment Benefits for Self-Employed, and includes Families First Coronavirus Response (FFCRA) Amendments. The CARES Act is a $2 trillion dollar COVID-19 economic relief package. The National Association of REALTORS is staying up to date on the CARES Act and how that particularly benefits the Real Estate industry.
The Families First Coronavirus Response (FFCR) Act was signed into law on March 18. It provides emergency paid sick leave and emergency family medical leave expansion. The act is effective April 1, 2020, and applies to leave taken between April 1, 2020, and December 31, 2020. The Texas Association of REALTORS provides a FAQ that breaks down how the FFCR Act impacts Brokers as Employers.
Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) have taken initial action to provide tenant-based rental assistance for Texans experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.
NAR’s Federal Advocacy team has been working closely with Congress and the Administration to ensure the interests of REALTORS® and their clients are protected in any federal action in response to COVID-19, in addition to minimizing transaction disruptions during these very difficult circumstances.
Governor Greg Abbott has postponed the May 2 run off elections until July 14.
Harris County has partnered with the Houston-Galveston Area Council to develop and administer an economic development loan program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Harris County Commissioners Court has approved the $10 million loan forgiveness program to help small businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19. Small business owners in Harris County can apply for up to $25,000 with 0% interest through this loan program in conjunction with SBA financial relief options. Do not wait to apply, these loans will be given out on a first come, first serve basis.
HUD, the Trump administration, and the President’s Coronavirus Task Force have issued an Eviction and Foreclosure Moratorium through April 30.
More information and resources from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development can be found HERE.
