Provided by SDHP (Self-Determination Housing of PA Newsletter), this article explains the expanded eviction moratorium which went into effect on September 4, 2020.
“On Friday, September 4, 2020, a new, expanded eviction moratorium went into effect with the aim of preventing millions of renters from being evicted due to the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic. Ordered by the Trump Administration, the mandate was issued through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as those without housing stability are at a higher risk of contracting or spreading the COVID-19 virus. This action delays but does not prevent evictions. When the new year starts, the renter will still owe the landlord the full amount of rent, potentially thousands of dollars. The landlord can ask for this money to be paid in full and start the eviction process. Right now, there is nothing in place to help the tenants pay their rent, nor is there anything to help landlords pay their mortgages. It is also important to state that this moratorium is only for renters and does not offer the same support for homeowners.
The moratorium is set to run through December 31 of this year, offering legal protections for renters. If you are a renter – in an apartment, house, or mobile home – you are protected by the eviction moratorium through the end of the year. Here are the requirements that must be met to qualify:
• You are unable to pay your rent due to a coronavirus-related job loss or income reduction
• You qualified for a direct stimulus payment under the CARES Act or expect to earn less than $99,000 in 2020, or $198,000 if filing a joint tax return
• You have made an effort to get available government assistance to cover rent, available to you or a household member
• You can demonstrate that your inability to pay is because of financial hardship due to COVID-19, that you have made your best efforts to make timely partial payments, and that you would likely become homeless if you were evicted
• You must print out and sign the declaration. To invoke the CDC’s order, you must provide the declaration to your landlord, owner of the residential property where you live, or other person who has a right to have you evicted. Each adult listed on the lease, rental agreement, or housing contract should likewise complete and provide a declaration”
Read the CDC’s moratorium declaration here.
Read a more detailed description of what the moratorium means for renters here.