My mom works as office manager for a HVAC/plumbing contractor. At the height of employment, the office had 18 workers, including the boss/owner. They are now down to 7 (also including the boss). They only work M-Th. Although business has picked up due to the heat this summer (this is in Indianapolis), he is only hiring one more field tech at this time. The future is just too uncertain for more hires.
My stepdad owns a 32 unit apartment complex, and he has said that it’s amazing how many people who don’t have a job expect him to go ahead and give them a place to live. Fortunately he’s got 30 of the units rented (plus a few houses he owns), so obviously there are still some people with paying jobs out there.
Your Mother’s situation probably sounds like most job situations across America at this time. With over than 50% of the workers gone and really no hiring being done even during the summer heat.
Has your stepdad had to lower his rents?
Out here in Californicator land, rents this year versus 3 years ago in many areas are running 30 to 50+% below the 3 year period.