Why Your Landlord Can’t Legally Evict You Before July
Days before its expiration date, the CDC extended its national moratorium on evictions, which is now in effect until June 30. If you don’t make more than $ 99,000 a year, your landlords are still being illegally evicted or forced to pay rent. Here’s what you need to know about the moratorium and your rights as a tenant.
Why was the moratorium extended?
The CDC believes it has the power to impose a moratorium on public safety evictions, as research shows preventing evictions slows the spread of COVID (although some states are challenging the CDC’s powers in court ).
An extension of the moratorium was widely expected, especially since there has been an increase in the number of infections recently , and less than 30% of the population in most states received at least one dose of the vaccine. As CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walenski explained in her statement:
“The COVID-19 pandemic poses a historic public health threat to the country. Keeping people in their homes and away from crowded or crowded places – such as homeless shelters – by preventing evictions is a key step in helping to prevent the spread of COVID-19. ”
How to get
To receive eviction and payment protection, you must file this declaration form with your landlord or building manager. The form includes a checklist to help you determine if you qualify. The eviction ban applies if you:
- Earn less than $ 99,000 per year ($ 198,000 for applicants).
- Confirm that you cannot afford the rent and that you will either have to live with other people in the vicinity or otherwise become homeless if evicted.
- Promise to make partial payments on time, as close as possible to the full amount of the payment.
- I promise to apply for government assistance with rent or housing.
Note that you are not signing up for a preferential rent; you are expected to return all of your rent once the ban is lifted (or alternatively, enter into a repayment plan with your landlord).
What if after the ban is lifted, I cannot pay the rent?
The Biden administration has pledged over $ 50 billion in emergency assistance to families unable to pay rent due to COVID difficulties, but states are slowly transferring money into the hands of tenants (the average household that does not pay rent). According to the Wall Street Journal, the debt is $ 5,586).
You will want to check with your state housing authority to find out which rent reduction programs are in place in your area, although the National Low Income Housing Coalition also provides a comprehensive list . Just remember, if you’re worried about moving out, you don’t have to pay rent until July. If your landlord is ignoring the CDC moratorium, consider seeking advice from your local legal organization .