An April 1st to remember

Tension is mounting on this April 1st, as the media spreads the idea, forwarded by radical groups, of not paying rent. It's a touchy subject: we are constantly surprised by the attention given to these groups of activists who advocate civil disobedience while dreaming of the collapse of the system.

Fortunately, CORPIQ is on every platform to emphasize the importance of considering rent as a priority service, just like groceries. CORPIQ is therefore making efforts to raise both public awareness and make the government aware of the precarious position of landlords who are suffering very serious consequences, in addition to being key players in this crisis to limit its spread. In addition to this political and media rally, CORPIQ is increasing its efforts to inform landlords and answer their questions, providing a Q&A and reliable tools that are updated daily.

Furthermore, social media is full of so-called COVID-19 experts and property management experts, conveying information that is often unfounded. Please refer to the Q&A and the several articles of interest accessible via the CORPIQ website. Other valuable content is coming to assist you as well in this period, which is different from anything we have known so far. CORPIQ intends to paint a detailed portrait of the situation in order to present the several impacts of this crisis to the authorities. To this effect, a vast survey will be sent to you next Monday, April 6, on non-payment and the other circumstances surrounding the crisis. Thank you for responding in large numbers.

Non-payment of rent: tools and advice

A week ago, CORPIQ provided landlords with sample letters to contact tenants in the event of non-payment. They have recently been updated to provide templates that range from a conciliatory approach to more firm communication, depending on the context. It is important to talk to your tenants to inquire about their health, their family context, and to show empathy, while at the same time reminding them about their obligations. Ask them if they are registered for government assistance, and don't hesitate to provide them with information about the types of programs they are eligible for. In this article "Useful information for your tenants", CORPIQ offers links and recommendations that you can pass on to your tenants so that they remain well informed and become aware of the resources available to them in terms of health, finance and other services. Do not hesitate to motivate them to take these steps as quickly as possible, and follow up afterwards, always with the goal of letting them know that you are willing to help and support them so that they receive what they are entitled to.

In case of non-payment of rent, CORPIQ recommends making a payment agreement (a video will soon be online on the subject), with very short deadlines, considering the government assistance that the vast majority of people will receive. Concerns they may have about their ability to receive government benefits are partly justified if we consider the media noise that has been circulating.  Many people are simply afraid of this situation and want to keep some money to maintain a safety cushion. This is why it is important to reassure them to this effect and to be well aware of the assistance available to them. To minimize non-payment, this requires the landlord's involvement, an approach that is both human and structured, so that tenants understand that rent and groceries are the basic elements that they must prioritize with the financial support they will receive. 

Vigilance towards tenants who must leave their dwellings by July 1^st

For tenants who have not renewed their leases and that are in payment difficulties, landlords will have to be extra vigilant. Without generalizing, every year there are people who try to avoid paying their last month’s rent. It appears that in the current context, this phenomenon could increase. In these cases, payment agreements should be restrictive in terms of deadlines. Essentially, the landlord will have to follow up very closely and not hesitate to open non-payment files at the Régie du Logement. 

April Fools?

There's no joke to be made with April 1^st this year, a situation that must be taken seriously by both landlords and tenants. By relying on an approach adapted to each case, landlords have the choice of applying different solutions. If a tenant takes the situation lightly by invoking a rent cancellation or a strike, the Régie du Logement will be pleased to hear from them, if necessary.