Freddie Mac Multifamily announced it is taking steps to ensure renters have more information about protections afforded by the CARES Act and Freddie Mac Multifamily forbearance agreements, including limitations on evictions and late fees related to nonpayment of rent.

“Landlords entering a new, extended or amended forbearance arrangement with Freddie Mac are now required to notify renters of all tenant protections associated with the forbearance agreement within 14 days of approval of the agreement,” Freddie said, according to a release on its website.

In addition, Freddie Mac Multifamily soon will launch improvements to its online loan lookup tool, allowing renters to search by ZIP code to determine whether their property has a mortgage loan purchased or securitized by Freddie Mac and whether they are therefore eligible for certain protections.

Both actions are in line with a Federal Housing Finance Agency announcement affecting both Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae.

“Our goal in launching these initiatives is to ensure that renters can easily learn of or proactively determine what tenant protections might apply to their unique circumstances,” Debby Jenkins, head of Freddie Mac Multifamily, said in the release. “We have continually worked to improve our lookup tool to ensure renters can determine if CARES Act protections apply to their home. We have also worked to ensure that when we extend support to borrowers who are struggling, they in turn extend flexibility to their residents.”

The release also highlighted that renters may not be evicted or given notice of eviction for nonpayment of rent during the forbearance period, and renters may not be charged late fees, penalties or other charges related to nonpayment of rent during the forbearance period. For forbearance agreements and supplemental forbearance agreements entered into after June 29, this protection is extended to the repayment period, as well.

“Although rental payments will continue to be due and will accrue, renters in properties with new or supplemental forbearance agreements entered into as of June 29 must be provided flexibility in repayment of back rent, allowing for it to be paid over a period of time and not in a lump sum,” the release stated. “Renters in properties with new or supplemental forbearance agreements entered into as of June 29 must be provided 30 days’ notice prior to any eviction taking place during the forbearance repayment period.”

Renters need not show COVID-19 related hardship to be eligible for any of the protections.