COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions for Apartment Residents

Below are a few frequently asked questions we have received from apartment residents in Colorado as it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

Now that I am suddenly unemployed or unable to pay my rent, what can I do?

The best thing you can do is to email or call your housing provider as soon as you find out that you are unable to pay your rent and ask him/her what options you have. Many housing providers are willing to waive late fees and work out restructured plans for residents with coronavirus-related income loss.  We have put together a list of resources that you can contact. That list is here: https://colorado.com/news/covid-19-resources - just and look for the heading “Renters Resources” and it will download a PDF of resources.

Can my manager raise my rent during a pandemic?

If the lease is expired, a housing provider is entitled to adjust rents. However, the Colorado Apartment Association is encouraging housing providers not to raise rent during the COVID-19 pandemic. If you feel as though you cannot pay your rent due to COVID-19, please contact your housing provider with specific questions relating to your lease.

Are movers considered essential? 

It is still unclear if movers are considered Critical Businesses. Our reading of Governor Polis’ Executive Order is that movers provide essential services to residences and therefore qualify as a Critical Business and may operate, provided he/she maintains social distancing. News media have posted that the Governor’s Office takes this position, but we have as yet been unable to get formal written confirmation. Please call the specific moving company and ask or email Governor Polis’ office for specifics on the executive order he announced. You can see the executive order from Governor Polis here as well as contact information for the Governor’s office: https://covid19.colorado.gov/public-health-executive-orders-explained.

Can I still move in /move out of my apartment?

It is still unclear if self-moving is considered a Critical Task and exempt from the stay at home order. Our reading of Governor Polis’ Executive Order is that moving to obtain housing is a Critical Task and both “critical to  their health and safety, or to the health and safety of their family or household members” and also “necessary to maintain the safety, sanitation and critical operation of a residence” as authorized by the act, provided one maintains social distancing. News media have posted that the Governor’s Office takes this position, but we have as yet been unable to get formal written confirmation. Please ask or email Governor Polis’ office for specifics on the executive order he announced. You can see the executive order from Governor Polis here as well as contact information for the Governor’s office: https://covid19.colorado.gov/public-health-executive-orders-explained.

Are housing providers going forward with evictions?

The Apartment Association has recommended to its members not to cause a sheriff assisted move out to take place prior to April 30, 2020.  Whether the case or not the case can be filed before that date depends on court closures and other virus-related delays.  The eviction process is time consuming (approximated 6 weeks in most counties) so landlords are forced to file cases earlier than the actual move-out can occur.