May 11, 2021•Advocacy Matters
Centers for Disease Control Eviction Protection Extended
Disability Matters with Joyce Bender
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
#AdvocacyMatters Segment
Centers for Disease Control Eviction Protection Extended
There may be some confusion as to whether the Centers for Disease Control national moratorium on evictions is in effect. There have been at least 6 court challenges to the protections across the country. Recently, a federal judge in the District of Columbia ruled earlier this month that the CDC order exceeded the agency’s statutory authority. The judge applied the order nationwide. However, the decision has been stayed (postponed) while the U.S. Department of Justice appeals the case. The CDC order is still in place pending the outcome of the appeal. The U.S. Department of Justice has intervened and appealed other cases.
The original ban on evictions was put in place during the COVID-19 national emergency to reduce the spread of COVID 19. The ban was initiated by the Trump Administration on September 1, 2020. The most recent moratorium extension went into effect on April 1, 2021 when the Centers for Disease Control extended the national ban on evictions through June 30, 2021.
In general, to qualify for protection under the eviction ban, tenants must meet certain qualifications, certify they meet those qualifications, and provide the landlord with that certification.
Qualifications for eviction protection include:
- income; and
- inability to pay the rent-related to a substantial loss of income, been laid off from work, had work hours or wages cut.
- make your best effort to pay full or partial rent.
- make your best effort to get government assistance to pay rent; and
- certify that you would move to a homeless shelter or become homes or move in with others who live in close quarters.
There is more than $45 billion dollars in financial support coming to the states to help individuals and families who are behind in their rent. These funds came from the last 2 federal COVID relief bills. In Pennsylvania, individuals can apply for the federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program through their counties.
#AdvocacyMatters and so does self-advocacy.
If someone needs information on whether the eviction ban is in place for their state, or information on whether you qualify for eviction protection, it is important to reach out to a Protection and Advocacy Agency, like Disability Rights Pennsylvania or your local legal aid office.
We have more information about Pennsylvania’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program and the CDC standardized eviction ban certification form included with our #AdvocayMatters segment today. Just visit www.disabilityrightspa.org for the information.