Tips For Collecting Rent During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic created unprecedented challenges for rent collection. Federal and state eviction moratoriums, economic disruption, and tenant financial hardship created a complex landscape that tested landlords across the country. The lessons from that period remain relevant for how landlords should approach rent collection and tenant relationships today.

What happened to rent collection during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Beginning in March 2020, federal and state eviction moratoriums prevented landlords from pursuing eviction for non-payment of rent in many jurisdictions — Ohio's moratorium protections were somewhat narrower than other states, but the federal CDC moratorium applied broadly. This, combined with widespread job losses, created genuine rent payment challenges and uncertainty about landlord rights and recourse that persisted through 2021.

What rent collection strategies worked best for Cincinnati landlords during COVID?

Landlords who navigated the pandemic best shared several approaches: communication over confrontation (reaching out proactively to struggling tenants and setting up payment arrangements rather than immediately threatening legal action), partial payment agreements with documented repayment commitments, active assistance helping tenants navigate federal and local emergency rental assistance programs, and — most importantly — having strong tenant screening in place before the pandemic that resulted in high-quality tenants who honored their obligations even under financial stress.

What lasting lessons does the pandemic offer for Cincinnati landlords today?

The pandemic reinforced practices that strong landlords and property managers use consistently: tenant quality is everything (thorough screening before placement is the first line of defense against non-payment in any environment), digital payment systems with automated reminders significantly improve on-time payment rates, maintaining cash reserves covering several months of mortgage and expenses protects you from forced decisions, and knowing your legal rights and how to enforce them allows you to move quickly when moratoriums end.

Has the Cincinnati rental market returned to normal post-pandemic?

Post-pandemic, the rental market in Cincinnati has largely normalized — eviction moratoriums have ended, courts have worked through accumulated backlogs, and standard Ohio landlord-tenant law now applies. Landlords can enforce their rights through the courts as they did pre-pandemic. The technology adoption the pandemic forced (digital leasing, online rent payment, virtual tours) has permanently improved how the market operates.

EquityTeam handles all aspects of rent collection for managed properties, including enforcement of payment policies, coordination with tenants experiencing difficulty, and initiation of eviction proceedings when necessary. Contact us to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there currently any eviction moratoriums in effect in Cincinnati or Ohio?
As of mid-2026, there are no active COVID-related eviction moratoriums in Cincinnati or Ohio. Standard Ohio landlord-tenant law and eviction procedures apply. Landlords should proceed under normal legal requirements — consult an Ohio landlord-tenant attorney if the situation is complex.

What emergency rental assistance programs are available in Cincinnati today?
The large-scale federal Emergency Rental Assistance programs from the pandemic period have largely concluded. Cincinnati and Hamilton County do maintain some ongoing rental assistance resources through local social service agencies. Contact the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless or Hamilton County Job and Family Services for current availability.

How do online rent payment systems improve on-time payment rates?
Online payment systems with automatic reminders and the option for ACH autopay remove the friction and "forgetting" that cause late payments. Studies consistently show that properties using tenant portal payment systems see 15–25% higher on-time payment rates than those relying on check or cash payment.

Related articles: Effective Tenant Screening · Eviction Process in Cincinnati · 9 Tips for DIY Landlords