DENVER — The first of the month is fast approaching. Many who lost their jobs because of the novel coronavirus are unable to pay rent. In Denver, the city will not enforce evictions for the time being. Statewide, the governor is asking landlords to do the same.
Small-property owner Marilyn Ardelt isn't sure where that leaves her. She's also not sure if the rent checks she relies on will be there come April. Ardelt owns a four-plex in Denver.
"My husband and I bought this building, he was self-employed, we knew this would be our retirement. That’s what we would be living on. He’s since passed away. So it’s just me," said Ardelt.
Ardelt expects to dip into her retirement to pay the bills but hopes it doesn’t come to it. While she may be a landlord, Ardelt has compassion for her tenants, knowing many have fallen on hard times.
"If the stimulus checks come, then they have to eat first," she said of the proposed bill to give Americans relief. "Are they going to put any portion of that towards me? I don’t know," she said.
The Colorado Apartment Association suggests property owners create a payment plan if their residents have lost work because of COVID-19. They should also waive all late fees and stop evictions through April.
