By Gregg Gerken, Head of Commercial Real Estate for TD Bank Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, it was a struggle to build or find affordable housing. But since the pandemic broke out, finding affordable housing may be even harder for those who now need it most. A Problem Made Worse by a Global Pandemic The lack of affordable housing was an urban, suburban and rural problem even before COVID-19. Rent-burdened families and seniors living on a budget reside in almost every small and large city in America. While the $600 per month unemployment payments, stimulus checks and extension of eviction moratoriums have helped, the bottom line is that those most affected by COVID-19 financially still have the longest road to recovery and need more assistance – especially affordable housing – to get back on their feet. The Tenant Versus Landlord Narrative Multifamily housing renters are trying hard to make rent, but some just can’t, and that hardship then tilts onto landlords who are trying to cover payroll, taxes, utilities, upkeep and mortgages. The looming crisis now is that millions of renters are behind on their rent with approximately $70 billion due in back payments that could create a wave …
