Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak speaks during a news conference at the Sawyer State Building in Las Vegas,Tuesday, March 17, 2020. Sisolak ordered a monthlong closure of casinos and other non-essential businesses in order to stem the spread of the new coronavirus (COVID-19).
Sunday, March 29, 2020 | 6:29 p.m.
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Gov. Steve Sisolak signed a directive to put a moratorium on all evictions in Nevada through the end of the statewide emergency in the fight against the coronavirus disease, he announced this evening.
With many residents facing economic hardship because of a 30-day or more shutdown of all nonessential business, the moratorium eases the strain on those facing evictions or foreclosure. The state is prohibiting lockouts, notices to quit or pay, or eviction filings during the state of emergency, Sisolak said.
“This is not the time to put people out on the streets,” he said. “This is also not the time to evict small business owners who have been hit hard by the economic fallout of this pandemic.”
The directive also dictates that late fees accrued during the emergency period will be waived. After the emergency is lifted, landlords and tenants should work together on a repayment plan, Sisolak said. Also, property managers are instructed to continue providing reasonable maintenance for renters.
“We’ve now reached a point, as we head into April 1, where tens of thousands of Nevadans are wondering how they’re going to make rent or pay their mortgage,” Sisolak said. “These are good, hard-working people who are just looking for one of the most basic and essential necessities: a roof over their heads.”
State leaders have also been working with banks to delay mortgage payments for homeowners. Many mortgage lenders have agreed to push payments scheduled to be made during the emergency to the end of a loan, State Treasurer Zach Conine said.
“If you’ve fallen ill or are taking care of someone who is ill, been laid off or had your hours reduced, you can stay in your home if you reach out to your lender for assistance,” Conine said. “No one should live in fear of being evicted or having their house foreclosed on because they lost a job and couldn’t make a payment during a global pandemic.”
The directive, though, does not constitute free rent or mortgage, Sisolak stressed. He said landlords also have bills to pay.
“You must still adhere to the terms of your contract with your landlord, property manager or lender and are encouraged to work with them to determine an appropriate resolution regarding any outstanding payments,” Sisolak said.
