Instead of eviction, landlord gives $100 to family who can’t pay rent amid COVID-19

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Instead of evicting his tenants, a landlord helped a family living in one of his properties in Ohio, United States after the father lost his job amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ellery Lewis gave Wes Moberly and his family $100 (about P4,900) instead of kicking them out of the house they are renting, as per CBS-affiliate WKRC last Thursday, July 23. Moberly was laid off from his information technology job last May and has not received a paycheck since.

He added that he has been worried about borrowing money to get his phone line turned back on, when his internet will be disconnected and if he will be able to get a job again. The father also explained that he and his fiancé have spent their savings to raise their twin 5-year-old daughters Lana and Lily.

Prior to being unable to settle their rent, Lewis pointed out that the family had always paid their dues on time.

“They paid in May, and then June came and then July and I had not heard from them,” the landlord was quoted as saying.

Following Moberly’s failure to pay their rent, Lewis offered to help them instead of asking them to leave the property.

“He has two daughters,” Lewis said. “I happen to have two daughters as well, so I put myself in his shoes, and if I was in his shoes, I would want someone to do the same for me.”

Along with allowing them to stay in the house, the landlord gave them $100 after Moberly explained that they had no more money left. Moberly stated that Lewis’ decision to not evict them has taken a “mountain of stress” off of his shoulders.

Aside from Moberly, many of Lewis’ other tenants have not been able to pay rent as well amid the health crisis. According to the report, this prompted the landlord to begin working on payment plans for families who can not pay rent yet until they recover from the pandemic.

“Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you,” Lewis said.

The community action agency of the county Moberly belongs to has likewise announced a program to help tenants like him pay their rent. Meanwhile, the Ohio Supreme Court expects a surge in evictions in the following weeks amid the pandemic.

It advises other courts handling cases to use the compliance statement in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act. The Supreme Court there, as per report, also suggests that hearings on landlord and tenant disputes be held remotely. Ryan Arcadio/JB

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