The CDC Eviction Moratorium could allow you to keep a roof over your head, even if you can’t pay the rent right now.
The CDC Eviction Moratorium
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) put a temporary halt on evictions last year. This was done to help stop the spread of COVID-19 and to keep renters in their homes. If evictions were allowed to happen during the pandemic, it would be a lot easier to spread COVID-19 through homeless shelters and other crowded living conditions.
If you’re eligible for the eviction moratorium, you won’t have to worry about getting kicked out of your home. And you’ll be able to stay where you live until June 30, 2021.
Does this mean you won’t have to pay any rent at all? No, as you’ll still have to pay back rent to your landlord, as well as any fees and interest. The moratorium simply keeps you from being evicted during this time of financial hardship for many.
The CDC Eviction Moratorium applies to single-family and multi-family properties, whether they’re privately-owned or linked to the federal government. It does not apply to people living in guest houses, hotels, and motels.
The moratorium won’t protect you automatically, as you’ll have to opt into the program to enjoy its protection. You’ll need to fill out a declaration form to prove your eligibility. Each adult in the household on the lease needs to fill out a separate form to prove difficulty making rent payments during the pandemic.
Once complete, you must send the form to the person who has the power to evict you, such as your landlord, property manager, or property owner. Be sure to request confirmation of receipt of the document in writing.
In addition to the declaration form, you will also need to create a payment plan to get up-to-date with the rent once the moratorium is over.
It’s worth noting that the moratorium protects eviction for nonpayment of rent. You could still be evicted if you violate other terms of the lease, such as conducting criminal activity on the property, breaking community rules, etc.
How to Apply for Protection Under the CDC Eviction Moratorium
You can find the declaration form for the CDC Eviction Moratorium here. It’s pretty short and should only take a few minutes to complete. If you need help completing the form, you can get it from a HUD-approved housing counselor. This may be your best bet if you’re confused with any of the form’s questions, as all of your answers must be truthful to avoid issues later on.
You’ll be asked questions to see if you qualify for the moratorium. You will have to check at least one box in each column to qualify.
In short, if you received a stimulus check or are on government assistance and have lost income due to COVID-19, you should be good to go until at least June 30, 2021. Once again, you will be responsible for back rent and fees, so be sure to make a payment plan that you can stick to.
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