Your landlord cannot change the locks or otherwise lock you out of your rental unit without a court order, even if you have not paid your rent. A landlord is subject to paying you damages of up to 2 months rent, costs, and attorney fees if the landlord is found to have illegally locked out a tenant.
When the State Court moratorium on evictions ends (as of now May 29), if you cannot pay your rent, then you would be subject to an eviction if the Landlord gives you 5 business days notice of non-payment unless you qualify under the Federal moratorium protection, you would have 30 day notice for non-payment, that cannot be sent until at least July 26, 2020.
Federal Moratorium Protection: The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have created online multifamily property lookup tools to help renters find out if they are protected from evictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tools allow renters to determine if the property they live in is included in the eviction moratorium under the CARES Act.
In working towards the vision of building a just society; we want to first help make the legal system a little less intimidating by providing easy to understand legal forms and brochures, including online forms that people can use when they go to court. Second, we help people help themselves by providing legal assistance so people can better know their rights and know how to solve their legal problems. Finally, we try to level the playing field by providing legal representation to those that need it the most.
Here is what housing emailed the residents on May 1st.
With the University moving to summer classes fully online for Summer Session 1 and Varied-Term, Student Housing Services will not be providing summer housing for the period May 26- July 5, 2020.
Please note that your spring semester housing contract ends at noon on Saturday, May 16, 2020. If you are unable to move out due to the reasons listed below, you may apply for an exemption to remain in campus housing until noon, June 14, 2020.
Documentation to support your request is required. Exemptions requests are NOT guaranteed to be approved.
To apply for extended housing, please complete the following link. To be considered, extension requests must be submitted by 4:30pm on Wednesday, May 6.
Additional conditions for extended housing:
The website shares updates on Hawaii Public Housing Association-led initiatives such as rent adjustments, new access to online banking, eviction protection, at-home learning for children, meal delivery for the elderly and prevention of domestic violence. It is very comprehensive and helpful.
Student Housing page, including contact information and COVID-19 updates.
Info for all of US, illegally occupied and otherwise (is there an otherwise?): Bottom line for HI: Court; Public Safety Officer per Governor's Declaration HI Public Safety Sheriff Statement 031720: 3/17/20 Execution of Eviction Orders Halted Until Further Notice (Public Safety); The Hawaii Department of Public Safety Sheriff Division is suspending all eviction activities as part of the Department’s COVID-19 response efforts.
Limited eviction relief. Includes a wonderfully Orwellian definition of a "covered dwelling"...Just when you thought you were covered.
Find out if your apts. landlord is getting mortgage relief
National Consumer Law has provided this useful list:
CONTENTS
*UPDATED WITH CARES ACT*
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the ‘‘CARES Act,’’ Pub. L. No. 116-136
Federal Foreclosure and Eviction Suspensions; Mortgage Loan Forbearance
Banking Agency Guidance on Mortgage Servicing and Loan Modifications
State Limitations on Foreclosures and Evictions
Federal Changes re Appraisals for Mortgage Loans
Student Loans, Other Debts Owed to the Government
State Actions Regarding Utility Service and Telecommunications
State Limits on Collection Lawsuits, Debt Collection, Repossessions (Private Creditors)
Price Gouging
Collection of Civil and Criminal Debt Owed to the State
Banking and Bank-Extended Consumer Credit
Bankruptcy Changes
Fair Credit Reporting
Health Insurance
CARES Act Employee Protections
CORONOVIRUS/COVID-19 INFORMATION FOR RENTERS
Due to the Coronavirus/Covid-19 many renters are losing their jobs or suffering with reduced hours, over 100,000 Hawaii residents filed for unemployment in March alone. Over 14 thousand people have already signed a petition demanding a rent and mortgage freeze. Please call the Governor's office at (808) 586-0034 and demand a statewide rent and mortgage moratorium. We must protect each other.