STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Government Performance and Financial Management
AGENDA DATE: April 22, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Mayor and City Council Office
EXECUTIVE: Kimberly Bizor Tolbert
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SUBJECT
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An ordinance (1) providing for a COVID notice of possible eviction by residential landlords before a notice to vacate a residential tenancy due to the COVID-19 pandemic; (2) creating a COVID hardship notice for tenants; (3) creating an offense; (4) providing a penalty not to exceed $500.00; and (5) providing an effective date - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
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BACKGROUND
The coronavirus, referred to as COVID-19, is a highly contagious virus that spreads from person to person, especially in group settings.
The Mayor of the City of Dallas issued a Declaration of Local Disaster on March 12, 2020. The Declaration allows the City to take necessary measures to reduce the possibility of exposures to COVID-19 and promote the health and safety of Dallas residents. On March 13, 2020, Governor Greg Abbott issued a declaration of State of Disaster to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the spread of COVID-19 to protect the health and welfare of Texans.
Several emergency regulations to combat the spread of COVID-19 and minimize exposure have been issued since the first official emergency declarations. To comply with federal guidance, individuals may be unable to work and may incur COVID-19 related expenses, which may impact a tenant's ability to pay rent, fees, or other associated charges.
Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins issued orders advising Dallas County Justices of the Peace to suspend eviction hearings and writs of possession for a minimum of 60 days beginning April 8, 2020. The Texas Supreme Court issued orders delaying or suspending certain proceedings related to eviction lawsuits through April 30, 2020 and May 7, 2020.
If a landlord provides sufficient not...
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