Dallas County Extended Shelter-In-Place Order
On April 3, Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins extended the county’s shelter-in-place order until April 30. Essential services, including residential property management and maintenance, are permitted to continue pursuant to Judge Jenkins’ first shelter-in-place order issued on March 24.
Additionally, the order also includes the following, which may impact your operations:
- A suggested late fees cap on rent of $15 per month. Please note, this cap is only a suggestion, and not a mandate in the order. (See Section 10, April 3 “Amended Order of County Judge Clay Jenkins”)
- A requirement preventing employers from requiring verification before a COVID-19 recovered employee can return to work (See Section 6)
- If a person has tested positive for COVID-19, members of that household must isolate at home and may not go to work, except for workers included in Essential Healthcare Operations who may continue to work in accordance with CDC guidance. (See Section 11)
- A violation of this Order is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed $1,000 and/or confinement in jail for a term not to exceed 180 days. (See Section 3)
The extended order comes just three days after Governor Greg Abbott issued a statewide order allowing essential businesses to continue providing essential services and extending social distancing practices through April 30. Pursuant to Governor Abbott’s order, counties and local governments can enact more granular policies to the extent that essential services allowed in the statewide order are not restricted.
As the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 evolve, we advise you to continue social distancing protocols at your properties as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information on safety measures and best practices related to COVID-19, please visit our website at www.aagdallas.com.
The Apartment Association (AAGD) continues to monitor the evolving situation related to the spread of COVID-19 and we will provide updates as this situation evolves. Check our website for local, state and federal resources. Information contained in this notice is advisory and does not constitute legal advice.
If you have questions about this order, please contact AAGD Government Affairs at (972) 739-9505.