PROPERTY MANAGERS / AGENTS
COVID-19 RESOURCES
Please see the following page for the most recent COVID-19 guidance for multi-family properties. We understand that the situation, and guidance, is changing frequently. We ask that you check this webpage regularly for up to date information. Visit our general COVID-19 information here.
PREVIOUS COMMUNICATIONS
MEMO
2020-01 LIHTC COVID-19 Compliance Relief
Financial Support for Multifamily Developments
Updated Financial Support Information for MultiFamily Developments
Evictions / Resources for Renters
For more information, please contact:
Mike DiChiaro
Assistant Director Dev/Asset Mgmt & Compliance
mdichiaro@rihousing.com
COVID-19 Confirmation
RiskShare/Tax Credit/HOME/Mortgagee/UPCS Inspections and/or Monitoring
To the extent possible, staff will conduct all monitoring activities remotely. Physical inspection of the property will be scheduled and/or postponed 60 days from March 19, 2020.
Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) Inspections
Per guidance received from HUD, all REAC Inspections have been suspended.
Replacement Reserve Inspections
Starting March 19, 2020, for the next 60 days, RIHousing will temporarily suspend all replacement reserve inspections for interior repairs that have been completed. In lieu of a physical inspection, we will request that owners /managers submit photographs of improvements to the property along with copies of paid invoices.
Tenant Evictions
Update: On April 8, 2020, Governor Raimondo announced that state courts will not process any residential or commercial evictions until after May 17th.
Governor Raimondo announced on March 19, 2020 that state courts will not process any residential or commercial evictions for the next thirty days. Residents are encouraged to contact Rhode Island Legal Services at 401-274-2652 x123 with any questions regarding this order.
Social Distancing Measures
As this situation evolves, many of you will be revising your existing policies relating to tenant meetings and/or work orders. We ask that you provide us with a copy of your interim policy to address the “social distancing measures”.
Financial Support for Multi-Family Owners
RIHousing has established interim policy to provide financial support to RIHousing financed developments. These include relaxing replacement reserves minimum requirements, waiving distribution of surplus cash and/or executing forbearance agreements.
Helpful Resources
- NIMC – Helping Residents of Affordable Housing Cope with the COVID-19 Pandemic
- Institute of Real Estate Management
- New England Affordable Housing Management Association
- Environmental Cleaning and Disinfecting Recommendations
- Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in Retirement Communities and Independent Living Facilities (Interim Guidance)
- HUD – Addressing Tenant Concerns during the COVID-19 National Emergency
Answering Requests for Information on Residents
If you are receiving requests to release information about tenants in quarantine, who may be sick, or who have tested positive for COVID-19, please refer to the HUD Multifamily FAQ for guidance on how to proceed with those requests.
Essential Employee Designation
We know some of you may have questions about whether staff working at your properties are considered “essential.” Rhode Island has not yet determined what workers are considered essential and will likely not do so unless a shelter-in-place is ordered. However, the Department of Homeland Security Infrastructure Division has issued guidance to states should this determination need to be made. The details of that guidance can be found here, but in summary it appears to capture staff working onsite in affordable housing properties, including maintenance, security and property management.