Letter to the Editor: Senator requests help for landlords

This week on behalf of myself and my fellow Republican colleagues in the Senate, I am sending the following letter to Gov. John Carney:

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, you and other agencies within the executive branch have implemented several protections for the citizens of Delaware due to the economic hardships brought about by the lockdown. Your efforts in this regard are appreciated.

However, one concern in particular has been relayed to us from a number of our constituents who own rental properties with active tenants. The order that allows tenants to avoid making rental payments has caused a hardship for landlords.

Many of these landlords have mortgages and utilities to pay for their rental properties, but, without rent money coming in, they have found themselves in tough financial circumstances.

For example, an elderly woman from Laurel has a tenant who not only will not pay rent but refuses to pay the monthly electric bill. This poses a serious hardship for the landlord, who has the additional expense of the electric bill, while receiving no income from the rental.

We respectfully recommend considering a relief package for landlords, especially those who are depending on the income just to survive these tough economic times.

Please let us know what relief may be forthcoming to help landlords in similar situations.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Sen. Bryant Richardson

R-Seaford

Editor’s note: Sen. Richardson adds, “The response from the governor’s office was very positive, and a meeting is being scheduled to discuss options that are currently available and may be in the future.”