Covid-19 Resources for Residents

Do I still need to pay rent?

Yes. Rental payments remain due in full and payable as of the first of each month. Unfortunately, we cannot reduce rent due to our financial obligations to our lenders and partners.

What's Bellwether's rental policy right now?

Due to the corona virus pandemic, we have made the following temporary changes to our rent policy. These changes will be in effect throughout the eviction moratorium in Seattle.

• Rental payments remain due in full and payable as of the first of each month.
• We will accept partial payments for rent.
• We will not charge late fees for non-payment of rent.
• We will not initiate eviction proceedings or issue legal notices for any resident due to non-payment of rent.
• For residents not able to pay their rent (partial or full), Property Management and Resident Services are here to connect residents to available resources. Please reach out to tell us about your situation. We want to help you.
• On a monthly basis, we will send a summary to each resident who has outstanding rent itemizing the amounts that remain owing and payable.
• Once we resume normal operations, residents will be allowed to pay back outstanding rent over a nine-month period with a documented payment plan. Please work with your site manager to develop a payment plan, if you need one.
• Unfortunately, we cannot reduce rent due to our financial obligations to our lenders and partners.
• We may update this policy as the situation evolves.

I'm worried I won't be able to pay my rent because of the coronavirus.

We know this is a stressful and scary time for many residents. We're here to help you and support you during this difficult situation. If you're worried you won't be able to pay your rent (partial or full), please reach out to your site manager or the resident services team. They can help connect you to resources like rental assistance and unemployment. The more we know about your situation, the more we can refer you to resources that meet your unique needs. Once we resume normal operations, residents will be allowed to pay back outstanding rent over a nine-month period with a documented payment plan. Please work with your site manager to develop a payment plan, if you need one.

Can I set up a payment plan for my rent?

Yes. Once we resume normal operations, residents will be allowed to pay back outstanding rent over a nine-month period with a documented payment plan. Please work with your site manager to develop a payment plan, if you need one. On a monthly basis, we will send a summary to each resident who has outstanding rent itemizing the amounts that remain owing and payable.

If I can't pay rent because of coronavirus, will I lose my housing?

No. Our priority is keeping all residents housed. The last thing residents need is to be worried about losing their homes. We are here for you and we will work with you to keep you in your apartment.

Can I get a rent reduction?

Unfortunately, we cannot offer rent reductions right now due to our financial obligations to our lenders and partners. We want to help you as much as possible - please reach out to your Resident Services Coordinator and or Site Manager. The more they know about your situation, the more they can work with you to find resources and support tailored to your unique needs.

What is Bellwether doing to keep my building clean and safe?

Our priority is keeping residents and staff safe and healthy. We've increased the frequency of our cleaning and are taking other precautions to prevent the spread of corona virus.

• Cleaning 2x at all our buildings, focusing on high-touch surfaces

How long will this last?

We don't know how long the corona virus pandemic will last in Washington State right now. We know that the uncertainty is scary. We're in this together, no matter how long it lasts.

What should I do if I'm sick?

If you have a cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, please contact your healthcare provider. If you believe you are experiencing life-threatening symptoms, call 9-1-1. For more information about what to do, please refer to official guidance: Washington State Department of Health CDC What to Do If You Are Sick Guidance Please let your site manager or resident services coordinator know if you are sick with a confirmed case of Covid-19 so that we can take appropriate precautions to clean and protect our residents, staff, and buildings.

How can I prevent myself and others from getting sick?

Wear a mask whenever you leave your home, including when you are in common areas, hallways, and elevators of your building. Wash your hands often. Avoid touching your face. Practice social distancing, which helps slow the spread of the virus. Stay at home and avoid all non-essential contact with others. Limit trips for groceries, gas and other essentials. If you must go out, stay at least 6 feet away from others at all times. Please refer to official sources for more information: King County Guidance Washington State Guidance CDC Corona Virus Guidance

When am I requred to wear a face mask or cloth face covering?

As per State guidelines: Any of us can carry the virus and not realize we’re spreading it when we talk, cough or sneeze. Face coverings are required statewide in all public spaces because they are effective in slowing the spread of COVID-19, especially when combined with 6 feet of physical distance. For the public: An order from the secretary of health requires Washingtonians to wear face coverings in public spaces and shared spaces, both indoors and outdoors. Examples include hotel or apartment hallways, outdoors where many people are gathered such as parks, playgrounds or popular walking paths, and in a restaurant when not seated and eating. People are individually responsible to comply with this order. For more information, please visit: https://coronavirus.wa.gov/

How is Bellwether advocating for residents right now?

Bellwether Housing has:

• worked with all qualified residents get rental assistance from The City of Seattle
• set up a meal delivery program for high-risk residents, with food prepared by local restaurants
• advocated to City, State and the Federal government for more resources to be available to residents

How can I help advocate for resources?

We also encourage you to contact your State, County and City elected officials to share your stories and needs.

Seattle City Council

King County Council

WA State Representatives

Are the Bellwether administrative offices open?

No. Our administrative offices in South Lake Union and Capital Hill are closed until further notice. All staff who can work remotely are doing so.

What resources are available to residents?

A list of the most frequently needed resources is available on this page. It includes rental assitance, unemployement, food assistance, childcare resources, and more. Please contact your resident service coordinator for help signing up and for more information about what is available. They're here to help!