A landlord in Maine is attempting to eliminate stress for tenants who are struggling to pay rent during the coronavirus crisis.
“COVID-19 is going to cause serious financial hardship for service and hourly workers around the country,” Nathan Nichols wrote on Facebook last week. “Because I have the good fortune of being able to afford it and the privilege of being in the owner class, I just let them know I would not be collecting rent in April.”
Nichols said he owned a two-unit in Portland and all of his residents had been affected by the crisis. His post went viral, earning 24,000 shares and 4,000 likes.
Gov. Janet Mills issued an executive order Wednesday mandating a statewide ban on dine-in service at restaurants and bars, as well as a ban on gatherings of 10 or more people effective Wednesday, News Center Maine reported.
“I ask any other landlords out there to take a serious look at your own situation and consider giving your tenants some rent relief as well,” Nichols said.
Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Tuesday that President Trump’s administration was looking to put $1 trillion back into the economy in the coming weeks. The administration is considering sending checks directly to households.
Nichols posted an update to his first Facebook post, saying many other landlords have reached out to him wanting to help their tenants, but they are fearful they might miss mortgage payments.
“Apparently, mortgage lenders are providing relief to those who qualify, but you have to reach out to them,” he said. “Talk to your tenants and find out their situation, then talk to your lender and ask for assistance.”
