COVID-19 Response

Eviction Moratorium Provides Protection to Vulnerable Renters (9/10/20)

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recently announced a broad moratorium on evictions for failure to pay rent, which lasts through the end of the calendar year. While this is welcome relief for millions of renters at risk of homelessness, it is important to note that this is a temporary postponement, not a permanent prevention. Furthermore, rent will continue to accumulate, so without a long-term solution many renters will face large bills in January 2021, essentially returning them to the same financial position they are in now.

Affected families must provide a signed declaration to their landlord attesting that they:

• Have made their ‘best effort’ to obtain government assistance;
• Expect to earn less than $99,000 in 2020 (or $198,000 married filing jointly) or did not need to report income to the IRS last year, or you received an Economic Impact Payment
• Have lost a substantial amount of income OR have very high out-of-pocket medical expenses;
• Are making an effort to make partial payments as feasible;
• Would become homeless or have to double up if evicted; and
• Understand that rent payment in full may be required at the end of the year.

Additionally, the CDC order makes clear that evictions can still take place in light of activity that damages property, threatens the health or safety of others, or violates laws or regulations.

You can read the full CDC order here, which includes a sample declaration. More information, including an FAQ with another sample landlord declaration, is available from the National Low Income Housing Coalition. The Coalition also maintains a searchable database of state and local rental assistance programs. See what is available in your area here.

Getting Economic Impact Help to Hard to Reach People (9/10/20)

As part of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, passed by Congress earlier this year, many Americans received up to $1200 ($2400 for married couples) and an additional $500 per child in financial assistance to address the effects of the pandemic. Millions of people have not received these payments–many of them low-income families—and they must take action by October 15, 2020 to get their payment.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released this toolkit for community organizations to (1) get the word out, and (2) assist clients who have not yet received funds that can be used to buy food and pay bills: Helping Consumers Claim the Economic Impact Payment along with a customizable flyer for raising awareness.

Additional information and resources, including guidance for very specific and special circumstances, are available from the Get it Back Campaign.