By: Sierra Pizarro
While the world is in the midst of an outbreak which has people sick, quarantining, and being laid-off, some are now discovering they cannot afford rent.
With all the changes the virus is causing, one of them includes evictions. In Tulsa County, they will be delayed. Courts are not hearing cases, right now.
Mark Zannotti, an eviction lawyer, says, “Tulsa County court is closed until April 20. As a practical manner, that means landlords won’t be able to get to the courthouse to appear on any hearings. The other thing I think renters should know: if they abandon a place because they can’t afford it, their possessions are disposable by the landlord within 30 days, if the landlord deems those possessions as having no value. So, be careful of that.”
Landlords are not required to waive late fees or rent, but are asked to work with their residents.
Keri Cooper, Executive Director of the Tulsa Apartment Association, says, “We are encouraging all property managers to work with their residents and try and keep them in their home.”
Tulsa’s non profit, Restore Hope has reports of landlords illegally evicting people.
By law, landlords cannot evict or lock tenants out, unless ordered by a judge.
Another resource is dialing 2-1-1. Calling that number connects people to help with rent, utilities, and food.
Tenants with the Tulsa Housing Authority need not worry. THA is waiving rent for the month of April. They notified their residents no one will be evicted for not paying.
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