AANC COVID-19 Renter Strike Response

For immediate release

April 2, 2020

North Carolina Apartment Association
3717 National Dr. Suite 215
Raleigh, NC 27612

In response to the COVID-19 global pandemic and the financial hardships some residents are experiencing, housing providers throughout the state have been working to assist residents with guidance related to rent collection. We recognize that many who are without work are delayed in their ability to pay rent through no fault of their own. This hardship will be passed on to housing providers and could have devastating implications for the multifamily industry. To minimize the potential, fall out, housing providers have explored several options to best support residents including offering solutions like rent deferment, developing payment plans and waiving late fees.

While the rental community is taking unprecedented measures to provide support for residents impacted by COVID 19, some are exploiting these efforts and exacerbating the effects of this crisis exponentially. Campaigns urging residents not to pay rent even if they are capable have begun circulating in rental communities throughout the state.

Simply put, our industry is relying on residents not financially impacted by COVID 19 to help diminish the effects of the payment shortages which will allow us to remain flexible with residents who are struggling during this pandemic. We need elected officials, and housing advocates to echo these sentiments. For those who can, paying rent ultimately helps to keep people in their homes by ensuring housing providers can meet some of their financial obligations and keep the entire apartment community afloat.

Timely rent payments allow us to keep properties adequately staffed to actively manage our communities- particularly at a time where emergency responses related to COVID-19 are time-sensitive and require immediate attention.
The multifamily industry will continue to work with residents throughout this crisis. We ask that you support our efforts and communicate to your base that renter strikes are unnecessary and damaging to entire communities. Amid a health and financial crisis, we cannot afford a housing crisis that will impact our most vulnerable residents.

North Carolina Apartment Association
3717 National Dr. Suite 215
Raleigh, NC 27612
919.589.7759