New evictions moratorium: What you need to do right now

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s moratorium on evictions starts Friday and lasts until the end of the year.

This could save your home, but it’s not automatic. You have to be proactive and fill out a form to give to your landlord if they’re going to evict you.

To be eligible, you must have “used best efforts to obtain all available government assistance for rent or housing,” the CDC said. An individual also must earn no more than $99,000 in annual income or $198,000 if filing a joint return.

In addition, the renter or renters must be unable to pay the full rent or make a full housing payment due to “substantial loss” of household income, the CDC said. Other conditions include a layoff or “extraordinary” out-of-pocket medical expenses.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Fill out the CDC’s form here.

>> CLICK HERE: “Declaration for the CDC’s temporary halt on evictions”

2. Make sure every adult listed on the lease fills it out too.

3. Read it carefully. This is an official document. Lying is perjury.

4. Give it to your landlord. If you can email him or her, even better because you will have proof that the document was sent.

6. If you have an eviction hearing already scheduled, don’t blow it off. Check with your lawyer first.

Remember: This is not a free pass. You still have to pay the rent at some point and your landlord can even charge you interest or penalties on it. All of this only applies to you if your landlord tries to kick you out for not paying rent. He or she can still evict you for other reasons.