President Donald Trump has ordered a moratorium on evictions through December for those who have lost jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic and who don’t have other options for housing.
Saying that the pandemic presents “a historic threat to public health,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ordered the ban through the Public Health Service Act. The order was issued “to temporarily halt residential evictions to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.”
An increase in evictions was likely on the horizon as extra unemployment benefits ended in July, and service industry jobs are struggling to make a comeback because of the pandemic. The order comes after Congress failed in August before its recess to reach an agreement on the next round of stimulus relief funding.
The ban will impact some 40 million Americans.
“This unprecedented action is further proof that President Trump is doing everything in his power to keep the American people safe and secure in their homes,” Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson said in a statement to Bloomberg News.
Who is eligible for this?
According to the CDC order, to be eligible:
- You need to have used your “best efforts” to get rental assistance.
- You cannot expect to earn more than $99,000 in 2020, or $198,000 if you’re married and filing a joint tax return.
- You have to have a “substantial” loss of household income or “extraordinary” medical expenses (unreimbursed medical expenses likely to exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income this year).
- You have to be trying to make “timely” partial payments on your rent.
- If an eviction would “likely” lead to homelessness or having to move somewhere that is more expensive or where you will be living among a larger group of people with the potential to get the COVID-19 virus.
How do you request the aid?
The CDC order provides an example of the declaration it says you need near the end of the order.
After you complete the declaration, email, mail or deliver them to the landlord. Make sure you can get proof the landlord received the declaration. Keep a copy for yourself.
Is there no way to be evicted now?
Evictions for reasons other than nonpayment of rent will be allowed, according to the order. The government says it will impose criminal penalties on landlords who violate the ban.
Do I still owe the rent?
While renters will not be evicted, they will still owe all their rent and can be subject to any fees, penalties or interest as outlined in their rental contracts.
Would I have to pay it all back in January?
You could, the order allows for that.
How long will it last?
The eviction ban will be in place through Dec. 31.
Forms to apply for the help will be available on the CDC website once the order is published in the Federal Register.