Evictions Are Tricky Right Now. Read This For Clarity
The coronavirus complicated many things, including housing. With the federal eviction moratorium now over, here’s some clarity to help keep your family safe and secure.
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Does the following scenario seem familiar? The coronavirus appeared, and your workplace had to shut down. You eventually lost your job and all of the income that came with it. You got some help from stimulus checks and extra unemployment benefits, but those are now gone. And once the eviction moratorium ended, you now find yourself facing eviction.
If that scenario seems familiar, you’re not alone, as millions face similar circumstances due to the pandemic and the financial catastrophe it caused. But knowing you’re not the only one facing such a situation probably doesn’t make you feel any better, as you want to know what you can do to keep a roof over your head with an eviction on the horizon. Here are some tips to help you out.
National Eviction Moratorium Background
Before we discuss what you should do if you’re facing eviction during these challenging times, let’s talk about why landlords now have the power to evict tenants. The national eviction moratorium ended on August 26 after the Supreme Court ruled that the CDC lacked the authority to institute such a rule. Even though some local governments started eviction moratoriums of their own, the ending of the federal one means that around 90 percent of renters are negatively affected. How can so many people be affected by the moratorium? Because it covered renters making less than $99,000 as single filers and joint filers making less than $198,000 combined.
It’s worth noting that while this moratorium prevented eviction for a good portion of the pandemic, it didn’t eliminate rent. In other words, if you made no payments, your landlord could be looking to collect back rent and late fees now that it’s possible to do so.
Fighting Your Eviction
An eviction can be costly, time-consuming, and messy for both landlords and tenants. As such, your best bet is to try to talk it out with your landlord to avoid legal action. Let them know your situation and ask if you can pay less rent to fit your budget better. And as for back rent, ask if it can be spread out through the next several months, so the landlord gets paid, but you get to stay in the home.
If talking it out doesn’t work, you may want eviction assistance from experts. JustShelter.org has a list of such experts, while Legal Aid may match you with an attorney at no cost.
Finding Rental Assistance
Since it can be tough to pay the rent right now as you’re getting back on your feet, rental assistance may save the day. You can get help with back and future rent payments via the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program. You can also find local rent relief programs through the National Low Income Housing Association.
Emergency housing could come in handy if eviction is imminent. Find it through the HUD. And to get help finding food, housing, healthcare, and more, give 211 a call and speak to a local operator.