December, 2020 —

(UPDATE) As we continue the COVID-19 battle grounds we have seen an increase in the number of people fighting to keep their housing.

As a result, the Federal foreclosure and eviction moratorium that was set to expire at the end of December will continue.

The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced it’s extending its foreclosure and eviction ban through Jan. 31, 2021. That moratorium applies to Fannie Mae- and Freddie Mac-backed mortgages for single-family units.

“Extending Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s foreclosure and eviction moratoriums through January 2021 keeps borrowers safe during the pandemic,” said Director Mark Calabria. “This extension gives peace of mind to the more than 28 million homeowners with an Enterprise-backed mortgage.”

With November seeing the highest number of Consumers putting their rent and mortgage payments on their credit cards only time will tell if these relief options are enough — but it is a step… and right now we have to look at every possible option.

 

March 24, 2020 : Governor Kelly announced four executive order to aid during COVID-19 pandemic. She stated, “The safety and well-being of Kansans is my top priority. “During these trying times we need essential services to continue to function to secure our public safety and health. We also need some leniency when it comes to deadlines. These executive orders are necessary steps to help Kansas families during this crisis.”

But what does this really mean for you?

Order #20-11 prevents all Kansas waste removal providers, trash and recycling, from cancelling or suspending commercial or residential waste or recycling removal services for Kansas residences and businesses as a result of nonpayment due to significant loss of income or increase in expenses resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Order #20-12 extends deadlines for driver’s licenses and vehicle registration renewals and regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic. All driver’s license renewals and vehicle registrations extended by this Executive Order must be completed within 60 days of the expiration of Executive Order #20-12.

Order #20-13 extends tax filing deadlines to July 15, 2020, and waves any interest and penalties for returns and payments made on or before July 15, 2020. This is in line with the most recent IRS measures.

And Order 20-10? This is the Administration trying to do what it can to assist Kansans in danger of losing their homes because of Coronavirus, BUT there is a lot in this Order:

1. There MUST be financial hardship resulting from COVID-19 pandemic.

This occurs when an individual or family:
a. suffers a significant loss of income
b. significant increase in necessary expenses OR
c. inability to work as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19 AND
The individual’s or family’s financial resources are depleted to the extent that making a rent or mortgage payment would leave them unable to purchase food, medicine, or other goods, supplies or services necessary to their and safety.

2. It DOES protect you from banks or financial lending entities operating in Kansas from foreclosing on a residential property in Kansas when defaults or violations of the mortgage are substantially caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. It DOES protect you from landlords – doesn’t matter if they are individuals, companies, banks, financial institutions, nursing home, tong-term care facilities. They CANNNOT evict tenants when all defaults and violations are due to COVID-19 pandemic.
4. IT DOES require any of these landlords or institutions that are trying to evict after 3/23/20 to show burden of proof that it is not in relation hardship caused by COVID-19.
5. IT DOES maintain all other laws and regulations related to foreclosures and landlord/tenant rights.
6. IT DOES expect that after the 3/12/20 State of Disaster Emergency expires and financial hardships abate – borrowers, lenders, renters, and landlords will work together to negotiate repayments plans.

HOWEVER:

7. This Order DOES NOT prohibit the continuation of any judicial foreclosure or judicial eviction proceedings filed before 3/23/20.
8. The Order DOES NOT relieve mortgage borrowers or tenants who have not suffered financial hardship due to COVID-19 to stop making your payments.
9. In turn, it DOES NOT stop foreclosures or evictions if there is no financial hardship due to COVID-19 shown.
10. It DOES NOT apply to foreclosures initiated by the US government.

Remember, at this time, if you do need relief – reach out to your creditors. Do not just stop making payments. Let them know that you are “experiencing hardship resulting from COVID-19.”

Certainly now, more than ever – you are not alone. Take a moment for yourself. We are in uncertain times. Stay safe.