US

Evictions in Houston During a Major Storm Have Tenants and Landlords Strained

Published

2 years ago

October 8, 2020

Many of Houston’s roads have turned into rivers from tropical storm Beta. Houston, a city already prone to flooding in certain areas, isn’t able to handle the constant rain from this unmoving storm. The city has been blasted with rain nonstop for days and more than 100 rescues have already taken place.

Despite the presence of a major storm and massive flooding, many Houston evictions are moving forward. In fact, according to Houston Public Media, Houston has had the most evictions in the entire U.S. since the coronavirus pandemic began. More than 11,000 evictions have been filed in Houston since mid-March.

Landlords have their hands tied

While some would say it’s inhumane to evict a tenant in the middle of a pandemic, let alone in the middle of a flood, landlords have their hands tied. Although some landlords can get their mortgage payments suspended through the CARES Act, not all landlords qualify.

For many landlords, eviction is their only hope of generating income from their investment. Many Houston landlords depend on their rental income to pay their bills and feed their families. Their hands are tied – they have no choice but to pursue evictions that aren’t covered under the moratorium.

Flooding from Beta is making it hard to buy and sell homes

Many landlords who can’t evict non-paying tenants are working hard to generate income by acquiring new rental properties to rent to tenants who can pay the rent. However, flooding from the relentless tropical storm is making the home buying process hard. Despite massive flooding, Houston residents still need to complete the required technicalities like scheduling appointments for home inspections.

For property investors looking to acquire a new property, the impact of tropical storm Beta is slowing down the process. Many investors will need to wait until the storm passes to secure a new property to rent out.

Moratorium qualifications are confusing to landlords, tenants, and the court

There are currently no state or local eviction protections for Houston residents. However, the recent CDC eviction moratorium protects renters earning less than $99,000 per year or if they were eligible to receive an economic impact payment. However, Houston Public Media reviewed around 100 eviction cases and found only one was stopped by the moratorium. That doesn’t create a good outlook for Houston residents currently facing an eviction.

Part of the problem is that tenants don’t know their rights. The court isn’t required to tell renters they can apply for an exemption under the CDC’s moratorium. However, the Texas Supreme Court recently ruled that landlords are required to provide the exemption form to tenants with their eviction notice.

Another complication is confusion in the court. Many tenants provided their landlord with the proper declaration that they are covered by the moratorium, but the court rejected their declaration because it wasn’t notarized. The problem is, the CDC did not say the declaration needs to be notarized to be valid.

Some renters have reported being rejected by the court for invalid reasons and no reason at all. Houston Public Media observed several eviction hearings where tenants should have been granted coverage, but were unlawfully denied without a proper explanation.

Tenants don’t know their rights

Many evicted tenants would probably qualify for an exemption under the CDC’s moratorium and could make their case in court, but statistics show that most tenants don’t show up to their eviction hearings. The majority of evicted tenants simply pack their bags and leave as soon as they can to avoid getting involved in the court system. Many wouldn’t even know how or where to file the exemption.

Some evicted tenants have nowhere to go

Being evicted during a pandemic is some tenants’ worst nightmare. Many have nowhere to go. Thanks to flooding, many can’t even live in their cars without leaving the city of Houston. The situation is dire for those tenants.

Houston may see an exodus, at least until the storm clears

Many evicted tenants may leave Houston as tropical storm Beta floods the streets. Those who leave will probably come back once the storm has passed and the streets have dried up. Houston is one of the most popular U.S. cities and it’s hard to imagine residents leaving for good.

Hopefully, the storm and the pandemic will both pass quickly so that Houston residents can get back on their feet. Until then, we can expect to see evictions through the end of 2020, and possibly even more when the moratorium ends.

US

Car Accidents in Florida: Causes, Impacts, and Prevention

Published

2 weeks ago

March 16, 2023

Jimmy Lerner

Car accidents are an unfortunate reality of modern life, and Florida is no exception. With its thriving tourism industry, ever-growing population, volatile climate, and diverse wildlife, the Sunshine State sees its fair share of traffic accidents. The causes of these accidents are varied, but they often include factors such as human error, adverse weather conditions, and infrastructure issues. The impacts are significant, with many accidents resulting in fatalities or long-lasting injuries and consequences for those involved. However, there are various measures that can be taken to reduce the frequency and severity of car accidents in Florida.

Causes of Car Accidents in Florida

Human Error

The most common cause of car accidents in Florida is human error. This encompasses a range of behaviors, including speeding, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and distracted driving due to texting or using electronic devices. Additionally, aggressive driving and road rage contribute to many accidents, as they lead to poor, rushed decisions and often loss of control.

Adverse Weather

Florida’s climate is known to create hazardous driving conditions. Heavy rain, fog, and even hurricanes can reduce visibility and make roads slick, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Extreme heat can also cause tire blowouts, which can cause serious accidents.

Infrastructure Issues

As Florida continues to grow and develop, there is a strain on its infrastructure. Poorly designed or maintained roads, lack of proper signage, and insufficient traffic control measures contribute to the prevalence of car accidents in the state.

Impacts of Car Accidents in Florida

Fatalities

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, over 3,400 people lost their lives in traffic accidents in the state in 2022. The loss of life is a devastating consequence of Florida’s car accidents, impacting families and communities with immeasurable effects.

Injuries

Car accidents resulted in almost 250,000 injuries in Florida in 2022, from minor cuts and bruises to severe trauma, such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and permanent disabilities. These injuries can have a lasting impact on the lives of the victims, their families, and their ability to work and live a normal life.

Economic Costs

The financial burden of car accidents in Florida is substantial. Costs include medical expenses, property damage, and lost productivity due to injuries or death…and total in the billions each year. Moreover, traffic congestion resulting from accidents leads to additional economic costs in terms of lost time and increased fuel consumption.

Emotional and Psychological Consequences

The aftermath of a car accident can be traumatic for those involved, leading to emotional and psychological distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, among other mental health concerns.

Prevention of Car Accidents in Florida

Education and Awareness

Increasing public awareness about the dangers of risky driving behaviors, such as speeding, distracted driving, and driving under the influence, can help reduce the number of accidents. Driver education programs and public safety campaigns play a vital role in promoting safe driving habits. For example, Florida launched a campaign in 2022 to educate the public about the dangers of distracted driving.

Infrastructure Improvements

Investing in better road design, signage, and traffic control measures can help reduce the likelihood of accidents. This includes the development of pedestrian and bicycle-friendly infrastructure, which can help alleviate congestion and promote alternative modes of transportation. Florida’s governor, Ron DeSantis, has recently announced a $7B infrastructure improvement plan for the state focused on relieving congestion in high-traffic areas.

Traffic Law Enforcement

Strict enforcement of traffic laws and regulations can deter dangerous driving behaviors. Increased police presence, coupled with the use of technologies such as speed cameras, can help reduce speeding and other reckless behaviors on Florida’s roads.

Technology

As technology continues to develop, advancements in vehicle safety features and collision avoidance systems can contribute to reducing car accidents, says Brian Esposito, a tampa car accident lawyer. Features such as automatic emergency braking, lane departure warnings, and the adaptive cruise control can help drivers avoid potential accidents by detecting and responding to hazardous situations.

Legislation

Implementing or updating legislation that addresses the causes of car accidents, such as texting while driving and driving under the influence, could help deter these dangerous behaviors. Stricter penalties and fines for offenders, along with increased awareness campaigns, would likely lead to fewer car accidents in Florida.

Community Involvement

Encouraging community involvement in local road safety initiatives can lead to a better understanding of the specific issues facing individual communities. By collaborating with local government and law enforcement agencies, residents can work together to address the unique challenges of their area and develop targeted strategies to reduce car accidents.