DISASTERS MAY BLOCK EVICTION FILINGS
72 HOURS TO FIX MAINTENANCE ISSUES
ELECTRONIC EVICTION NOTICES
In Spokane, Washington, the City Council has passed an implemented an unusual new protection for renters experiencing disaster-related financial hardship. Under this emergency ordinance passed August 27, 2026, tenants who lose at least 10% of their average monthly household income due to a declared emergency may use that hardship as a defense against a nonpayment eviction. Notably, the measure isn’t limited to the recent Spokane Complex Fires. It is designed to apply to current and future declared emergencies and natural disasters. Rent remains owed, but eviction may be temporarily blocked while repayment is addressed.
Albuquerque’s new 72-Hour Habitability rule requires landlords and property managers to respond quickly when the City identifies serious housing-code violations affecting health or safety. Once a qualifying violation is issued, the responsible party generally has 72 hours to correct the condition or submit a written remediation plan explaining why more time is needed. Covered issues may include heat, cooling, running water, plumbing, sanitation, ventilation, structural hazards, and blocked exits. Repeat violations can trigger $500 penalties, including daily fines . Property managers should document complaints, authorize emergency work promptly, and maintain clear vendor and resident communication.
In Florida, 2025 House Bill 615 now lets landlords send eviction notices, such as the Three-Day Pay or Vacate, electronically instead of in person or by mail. The catch: tenants must consent in writing first. We went back to our current residents for signed consent, and set up a dedicated email address for legal communication, sent only during regular business hours. This has saved us real time and money. No more driving out to post a notice, no more mailing delays. Our residents have been happy about it too. It feels less intrusive than someone showing up at their door.
WE SET UP A DEDICATED EMAIL ADDRESS FOR LEGAL COMMUNICATION.
YOU SHOULD AUTHORIZE EMERGENCY WORK PROMPTLY.
AN UNUSUAL NEW PROTECTION FOR RENTERS.
Allen Artcliff-Cronrod Chief Operating Officer AAOA Properties Connect with Allen
Joshua Christensen Qualifying Broker R1 Commercial Realty Connect with Joshua
Adrian Smude Investor & Best-Selling Author Lifestyle REI Connect with Adrian
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