Smart Talk Thursday; With evictions and foreclosures delayed, landlords and tenants bear the burden

• Merideth Bucher
  BioRecent Stories

  

  Producer of WITF's Smart Talk

The Wolf administration imposed stricter limitations on bars, restaurants and businesses yesterday in response to a reported rise in coronavirus cases state-wide. Spotlight PA reporter Angela Couloumbis reported on this new development and she joins Smart Talk to share the details.

Governor Tom Wolf also enacted a moratorium on evictions and foreclosures at the beginning of the pandemic, expressing concern about a possible wave of evictions and homelessness. That deferment was set to expire in July until the administration continued it until August 31.

The extension offers tenants more breathing room, but what about landlords and property owners?

According to a lawsuit filed on behalf of one owner’s association, the moratorium has put them in a very difficult financial position and that tenants aren’t the only ones feeling the strain.

Joining Smart Talk Thursday to discuss assistance for renters and homeowners are representatives of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency: Lori Toia  director of the Homeowners’ Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program and Bryce Maretzki, director of strategic planning and policy. For phone assistance with the PHFA call 1-855-827-3466.

Also joining Smart Talk to discuss the impact the pandemic has on landlords and property owners are Marlynn Orlando, CEO, Pennsylvania Apartment Association and Leah Sailhamer, Vice President of Government Affairs, Pennsylvania Apartment Association.