Killam Apartment REIT issued a special statement outlining its Pandemic Illness Plan and the action steps it has implemented in response to COVID-19.

For residents, the plan includes: an increase in frequency and thoroughness of cleaning practices throughout all properties; the closure of amenity spaces to assist with social distancing; a ban on evictions for residents unable to make payments due to financial hardship caused by COVID-19; and a commitment to working with those tenants facing financial hardship to find flexible payment solutions on a case-by-case basis.

In addition, Killam Apartment REIT will be waiving the collection of recent rental increases and will suspend collection of further rental increases during this period of crisis, beginning with the April 1, 2020 rent payment.

In terms of action steps aimed at protecting and supporting employees during this crisis, Killam is providing assistance in a variety of ways, including limiting site staff to reduce exposure and the spread of COVID-19, and offering paid time-off for any employee required to self-isolate or who becomes ill.

“We are committed to providing necessary updates to our unit-holders and other stakeholders during the course of the COVID-19 Pandemic,” the statement said. “We have addressed many stakeholders’ questions through a question and answer (Q&A) document on our website and we will continue to update the Q&A on our website during this time of uncertainty.”