Media Coverage
Source: Houston Chronicle
Media Coverage
Press Contacts: Erik Cummins, Matt Hyams, Olivia Thomas
04.23.20
Some small businesses that are considered “essential” are still left in a financial flux due to lack of customers.
National and state policies have provided some relief from eviction for residential renters: Congress’s $2 trillion coronavirus relief act provided a 120-day moratorium on evictions from homes with federally-backed mortgages. Similarly, the Texas Supreme Court suspended the processing of residential evictions until April 30.
Businesses, however, have not been offered the same broad protections. In Texas, eviction relief for commercial tenants varies county by county. Harris and Travis counties have suspended all eviction proceedings, including commercial, until at least April 30, and it’s likely there will be a backlog of hearings once courts reopen, the Chronicle reports.
“The eviction proceeding — putting that on hold is a Band-Aid,” said Laura Hannusch, a Houston-based Real Estate partner at Pillsbury. “It’s not going to make the problem go away.”
Real estate professionals recommend commercial tenants start conversations with their landlords early to negotiate new lease terms, the Chronicle reports.
“Not all tenants and landlords will be able to reach an agreement,” acknowledged Adam Weaver, senior associate at Pillsbury. “I think the amount of eviction proceedings could be high.”