News from HQ
Ask Congress for Further Relief for Renters & Housing Providers from COVID-19
On March 27, Congress passed the “Coronavirus Aid, and Economic Security Act” (CARES Act), the largest relief package in our country’s history. Prior to its passage, IREM members sent thousands of messages to members of Congress voicing our concerns about the need to provide relief to the real estate management industry. Thanks to your efforts, the industry was able to secure several provisions aiding property managers and their residents affected by COVID-19.
However, additional relief measures are needed to address remaining concerns.
- Create an emergency rental assistance program for those who are impacted by the pandemic
- Forgo any forego any extension of the CARES Act eviction moratorium
- Provide financial mitigation and mortgage forbearance protections
- Provide financial assistance for property-level financial obligations such as property taxes or insurance payments and extend credit to multifamily mortgage servicers
We ask that you again join your colleagues across the real estate industry and Contact your Members of Congress advocate further relief for housing providers, employees, and residents in the next phase of COVID-19 relief legislation.
Engage with your legislators
With legislators in full campaign mode for the 2020 election, now is the perfect time to engage with your elected officials. During this time of uncertainty, there are several different ways you can engage with your legislators. Some are still open to face-to-face meetings while others will only meet by zoom.
If you are unable to schedule a meeting or do not have the time, emailing legislators to voice your comments and concerns is still an option. No matter how you engage with your officials, it is important that federal, state, and local legislators hear from you as state and local economies begin to reopen for business.
Check out the recording of “Conducting successful meetings with your elected officials” for more information about how to connect with legislators.
For more information about your elected officials, candidates running for federal, state, and local offices, as well as your voter information such as registration, early voting, and your polling place, check out the IREM Civic Action Center!
Learn more
IREM signs onto Letter urging Congress to provide rental assistance
On July 31, 2020 IREM joined NAR, National Multifamily Housing Council, National Affordable Housing Management Association, and several other real estate organizations in submitting a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, and House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, urging Congress to take action to protect the housing stability of millions of Americans impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The letter specifically asked legislators to help protect renters by providing rental assistance to those affected by the pandemic, and cautioned against extending the eviction moratorium as it only serves as a temporary measure that will ultimately do more harm than good.
Read the letter
More COVID-19 resources and information for property managers
Presidential Candidate Positions
With election season in full swing, understanding where the Democratic and Republican candidates stand on the issues is critical to the real estate industry and making an informed decision when casting your vote. Below is a side-by-side summary of former Vice President Joe Biden’s and President Trump’s positions on issues impacting real estate.
View the chart
Affordable Housing
HUD Awards Over $74 Million in Grants to Support Affordable Rental Housing for Extremely Low-Income Persons with Disabilities
Full article
Industry Ignores 'Political Theater' to Focus on Why the Suburbs Need Affordable Housing
Full article
National News
COVID-19 Congressional Negotiations Stall; Republican Package Includes Liability Protections, PPP Round 2, and Healthy Workplaces Tax Credit
Commercial & Residential – COVID-19 Relief
FHFA: Multifamily Property Owners in Forbearance Must Inform Tenants of Eviction Suspension, Tenant Protections
Residential – Landlord/tenant
Biden's Latest Proposal Puts CRE Tax Break in Political Crosshairs Once More
Commercial – Tax, 1031 like-kind exchange
NAR Admonishes HUD Action to Weaken Fair Housing
Residential – Fair Housing
The CRE Industry Reacts to Proposed CMBS Rescue Fund
Commercial – COVID-19 relief, Finance
Calif. Judges Vote to End Coronavirus Eviction Moratorium on Sept. 1
Residential – Evictions
The Government Affairs Digest is distributed monthly to the IREM Executive Committee, Regional Vice Presidents, Chapter Presidents and Chapter Legislative Chairs, Legislative and Public Policy Committee, and the Federal Housing Advisory Board. Other IREM members who would like to receive the newsletter may opt-in at any time.
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